JULY 21, 2022 | 22 TAMUZ 5782 CANDLELIGHTING 8:06 P.M. Congregations of Shaare Shamayim’s CANTOR BERNARD “BUZZY” WALTERS CAN’T STOP PLAYING MUSIC Page 28 Jewish Exponent PHILADELPHIA Publisher & Chief Executive Offi cer Craig Burke cburke@midatlanticmedia.com Associate Publisher Jeni Mann Tough jmann@midatlanticmedia.com EDITORIAL Editor | Andy Gotlieb 215-832-0797 agotlieb@jewishexponent.com Staff Writers Jesse Berman, Jillian Diamond, Sasha Rogelberg, Heather Ross, Jarrad Saffren ADVERTISING Account Executives Alan Gurwitz, Pam Kuperschmidt, Jodi Lipson, Taylor Orlin, David Pintzow, Sara Priebe, Mary Ramsdale, Sharon Schmuckler, Kim Coates Schofi eld, Shari Seitz, Sylvia Witaschek MARKETING Audience Development Coordinator Julia Olaguer 410-902-2308 jolaguer@midatlanticmedia.com CREATIVE Art Director | Steve Burke Graphic Designers | Ebony Brown, Rachel Levitan, Jay Sevidal, Frank Wagner, Carl Weigel 7605 Old York Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027 Vol. 135, No. 15 Published Weekly Since 1887 BUSINESS Accounting Manager Pattie-Ann Lamp 410-902-2311 plamp@midatlanticmedia.com accounting@midatlanticmedia.com Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist Shelly Sparks ssparks@midatlanticmedia.com Accounts Receivable Specialist Sarah Appelbaum sappelbaum@midatlanticmedia.com Main Offi ce: 215-832-0700 editor@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0797 circulation@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0700, ext. 1 sales@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0700, ext. 2 classifi ed@jewishexponent.com 215-832-0749 Connect with us: Legal Notices legals@jewishexponent.com If you’re having problems receiving your Philadelphia Jewish Exponent in the mail, and live in an apartment or suite, please contact our circulation department at 215-832-0700, ext. 1, or circulation@jewishexponent.com. Digital Media Coordinator James Meskunas JEWISH EXPONENT, a Mid-Atlantic Media publication, is published weekly since 1887 with a special issue in September (ISSN 0021-6437) ©2022 Jewish Exponent (all rights reserved). Periodical postage paid in Philadelphia, PA, and additional offices. Postmaster: All address changes should be sent to Jewish Exponent Circulation Dept., 11459 Cronhill Drive, Suite A, Owings Mills, Maryland, 21117. A one-year subscription is $50, 2 years, $100. Foreign rates on request. Jewish Exponent does not endorse kashrut claims. To verify the kashrut of goods or services advertised in Jewish Exponent, readers should consult rabbinic authorities. The Jewish Exponent reserves the right to revise, reject or edit any advertisement. Lunch & Learn ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE & HEALTH Gain insight from local experts as they discuss ways to simplify and organize your life and health as you begin to transition to senior living. 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RSVP REQUIRED: 484-390-5315 CONTINUE YOUR LIFE STORY WITH US ANTHOLOGY OF KING OF PRUSSIA 350 Guthrie Rd. / King of Prussia, PA Independent Living / Personal Care / Memory Care AnthologyKingofPrussia.com 2 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THIS WEEK INTRODUCING OUR Local 5 Philadelphia Native Playing for Israel in Maccabiah Games 6 Scientists, Spiritual Leaders Find Meaning in Webb Telescope Images 8 Cemeteries Get Creative to Off set Dwindling Business NEW LOOK Opinion 12 Editorials 13 Letters 13 Opinions Feature Story 18 Philadelphia Family Connects with Long-Lost Cousins Who Survived the Holocaust Community 22 24 26 27 Obituaries Synagogue Spotlight Calendar Out & About In every issue 4 Weekly Kibbitz 10 Jewish Federation 11 You Should Know 20 Food & Dining 21 Arts & Culture 25 D’var Torah 26 Last Word 27 Classifi eds www.laurelhillphl.com 610.668.9900 info@laurelhillphl.com Bala Cynwyd, PA Philadelphia, PA Cover: Congregations of Shaare Shamayim’s Cantor Bernard “Buzzy” Walters can’t stop playing music. 5 A Philadelphia native plays for 6 Scientists and spiritual leaders 18 A Philadelphia family Israel in the Maccabiah Games. fi nd meaning in celestial images. connects with long-lost cousins who survived the Holocaust. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 3 Weekly Kibbitz Israeli Pop Star Declines Shaking Joe Biden’s Hand F or the first day of Joe Biden’s visit to Israel, the buzz about handshakes was that, despite a pandemic-related plan, he was giving them at all. That changed on July 14. That’s when Yuval Dayan, an Israeli pop star, left the president hanging after Biden extended his hand to her. Dayan and another singer named Ran Danker had just performed a ren- dition of the classic song “Lu Yehi,” or “Let it Be,” at a ceremony mark- ing Biden’s receipt of Israel’s high- est civilian honor. Afterward, Biden and Israeli President Isaac Herzog approached the artists to thank them. Danker took Biden’s outstretched hand, but Dayan bowed instead, clasping her hands together and smiling. What Biden didn’t know was that Dayan has committed to refrain from touching members of the oppo- site sex. She is famous in Israel in part for becoming more religiously U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli President Isaac Herzog speak with Israeli singers Yuval Dayan and Ran Dankner during a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on July 14.  Yonatan Sindel/Flash90 via JTA observant, embracing the principle of shomer negiah, a prohibition on opposite-sex touching that some Orthodox Jews believe is required, as well as not performing on Shabbat or Jewish holidays. The prohibition is rooted in the idea that any touch can lead to sex- ual impropriety. The refusal to shake women’s hands of an Orthodox European Parliament candidate in 2014 caused a minor political crisis. Meanwhile, when Tzipi Hotovely, an Orthodox lawmaker, gained author- ity over Israel’s Foreign Ministry in 2015, she said she would shake hands with men who offered her theirs despite ordinarily refraining from touch. She noted that tradi- tional Jewish law makes allowances for honoring dignitaries. “It’s not a problem at all,” Hotovely told Israeli media at the time. “When someone meets foreign represen- tatives the Jewish halacha [law] recognizes respect, etiquette and politeness.” The incident with Biden went viral in Israel. Dayan, who came to fame as a contestant on Israel’s version of “The Voice,” said she had sought to avoid appearing to slight Biden and had communicated her needs to Herzog’s staff. “I made sure to notify everyone in the president’s office that I am shom- eret negiah,” she said, according to Israeli media. “God forbid, I did not mean to offend.” — Caleb Guedes-Reed SHE’S NOT READY FOR THIS? Our residents enjoy award-winning farm to table dining, and a full team of loving professionals waiting on their every need. No more housework, cooking, empty hours, or concerns of safety fi lling their days. Less blah, more aha! Don’t wait any longer. Call and request a copy of our new guide, 5 Signs Your Loved One May Need Additional Support. 215-706-8376 C ommonwealth SENIOR LIVING at WILLOW GROVE Welcome Home th S ERV I N G FA M I L I E S S I N C E 2 0 02 4 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Personal Care & Memory Care 1120 N York Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090 www.CommonwealthSL.com local Philadelphia Native Playing for Israel in Maccabiah Games G JARRAD SAFFREN | STAFF WRITER rowing up in an Orthodox household, absorbing her com- munity’s strong Zionist values and studying Torah at Stern Hebrew High School in Northeast Philadelphia, Aviva Menche recognized that Jewish prayers were oft en about aspiring to go to Israel. She kept asking herself what seemed like a straightforward question: If all Jews had the option, why didn’t we just do it? Th en, aft er graduating from Stern, Menche lived in the Holy Land for a year to study Judaic subjects at Midreshet HaRova, a seminary in Jerusalem. Upon returning, Menche, then Aviva Koloski, asked her mother why Jews always said “next year in Jerusalem.” Why not this year? Karine Koloski had raised her daughter Orthodox and sent her to Orthodox schools, so she couldn’t exactly disagree. But she did at least try to argue, saying well, why not next year in Jerusalem? It only worked for so long. In 2020, at age 28, it was next year in Jerusalem for Menche and her husband of fi ve years, Ariel, who had the same dream. Th e Jewish couple made aliyah that August with their 1-year-old daugh- ter Eden. Less than two years later, Aviva Menche is representing Israel in the 21st Maccabiah Games, the Jewish Olympics, from July 12-26. Th e Philadelphia native was a standout basketball player at Stern, leading it to a 40-27 record in four years as a varsity point guard. In the Maccabiah Games, she is playing a similar role in a diff erent sport: netball, in which players pass the ball up and down a court and try to score in a net. Th ey just can’t dribble or leave their assigned territories. Center is Menche’s strongest position since it’s similar to point guard, requir- ing players to fi nd open teammates up court. But Menche is less experienced at the new game than other players, so she focuses on a more defensive wing role. Israel is 2-1 in the tournament aft er beating England on July 18. Th e four teams in the netball fi eld are playing a double round robin to decide the top two, who will meet in the championship. described as “an absorption center for immigrants.” Her teammates were South African, Australian and English. Menche started going every Sunday. “It was a good mix of social and com- petitive fun,” she said. Th is past season, as a center and wing defender, she helped lead Tel Aviv to the championship and got noticed by the national team’s coach, Shan Berman. “I was super-excited,” Menche said. “Th is is crazy, to play on a national team.” Menche says living in a Jewish country gives her a sense of comfort. Th e Holy Land’s rhythms, like on holidays and the Sabbath, follow those of the Jewish people. Sometimes she misses the U.S., but then she looks around. “Look how beautiful Israel is,” Menche says. JE jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com Aviva Menche Courtesy of Aviva Menche Menche also works as a marketing manager for Fluence Corp., a water and wastewater treatment company, takes care of her young daughter and is an active member in two synagogues. Th e Tel Aviv resident has no longer just made aliyah: She’s an Israeli. “Sometimes I look at my husband and say, ‘We’re doing it,’” Menche said. Back in the U.S., Aviva’s father Steven Koloski moved from the Northeast to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, seven years ago. Today, Karine and Steven Koloski belong to Sons of Israel, an Orthodox syna- gogue in the township, and their lives still revolve around their religion, keep- ing Kosher and observing the Sabbath. While their three sons, Aviva’s broth- ers, are still in the U.S., the Koloskis hope to make aliyah one day, too. Aviva is encouraging it in the same way that her mother used to tell her to wait until next year. “It’s sad when I don’t see her all the time. But Israel is home,” Karine said. “One day, we’ll be there.” Th e parents visited Israel last August but weren’t able to make the trip for this year’s games. But perhaps no one is more aware of Menche’s progress in her new sport than her mother. According to Koloski, Menche discovered the sport as a student at the University of Pennsylvania during a semester in Australia. Th en, aft er making aliyah, the longtime athlete joined a Tel Aviv team in Israel’s eight- team league. She was looking for something to do and a way to meet people in her new home, and she found what her Tel Aviv coach with Peace of Mind! Compassionate Care V isit! Come The Hearth is Licensed Assisted Living and Memory Care community, where our residents enjoy the compassionate care, sense of family, a homelike feeling, with beautiful and personalized apartment homes. For additional information and to schedule your in-person or virtual tour, please go to www.TheHearthAtDrexel.org/Visit or call 1-877-205-9428. Assisted Living • Memory Care • Respite Care www.TheHearthAtDrexel.org 238 Belmont Ave. | Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 5 local Scientists, Spiritual Leaders Find Meaning in Webb Telescope Images O SASHA ROGELBERG | STAFF WRITER Image of the Carina Nebula from the James Webb Space Telescope showing the “Cosmic Cliff s,” about seven light-years high to the Webb Telescope images from Jewish astrophysicists and rabbis suggest a har- mony between religion and science. “Th e two biggest sellers probably for [the James Webb Space Telescope] are its ability to study these extrasolar planets systems, but also its ability to see galax- ies and their very early youth by looking very far away and very far into the past,” said University of Pennsylvania Reese W. Flower Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics Gary Bernstein, who was The Jewish Federation’s Tracks include: May 14-21, 2023 WANT TO LEARN MORE? IsII s rae e l 7 75 Misii s s io n Celebrate the 75 anniversary of the Jewish State’s founding by experiencing Israel your way! Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia on a meaningful eight-day mission to our Jewish homeland. Personalize your journey by selecting a customized track that speaks to your passions, interests, and how you want to hear, feel, see, smell, and taste Israel. th - Adventure - Food, wine & Culture - Tech & Business - People, Places & Politics Join us for a information session to find out details about the mission, including the itinerary, specialized tracks and more. Info Sessions In-person: Thursday, August 11, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. | Green Valley Country Club Virtual: Sunday, September 18, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 24, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. REGISTER for an info session or the mission today jewishphilly.org/israel75mission Joining the Mission as RABBI-IN-RESIDENCE Eric Yanoff of Adath Israel 6 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Courtesy of NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI n July 11, NASA released the fi rst images taken from the James Webb Space Telescope. A “dawn of a new era in astronomy,” according to the agency, the images provide the most detailed and clearest infrared images of space, including of the most distant galaxies and oldest star clusters detected, according to NASA’s press release. For scientists, the images from the Webb Telescope are representative of the new opportunities for seeing the universe, as well as a refl ection of the culminating eff orts to achieve scientifi c advancement. For spiritual leaders, the reaction is similar. Th ough religion and science are some- times pitted against each other and treated as contradicting ideologies, the reactions raised Jewish. “So we’re going to learn an awful lot about how the Milky Way and things like it came to be.” Th ough in awe of the new fi ndings about space, Bernstein doesn’t feel the need to attribute the vastness of the universe to a deity, though he says some members of the scientifi c community do. “For me, and maybe — probably — a majority of the people working, we don’t feel the need for an agent in nature,” Bernstein said. “I can be awed by what I see there because it’s just what the uni- verse produces.” “Even on a more basic level, it’s just realizing that the human scale of things is so limited,” he added. “Our expe- riences are very limited compared to what’s in the whole universe.” Th ough Bernstein does not have a strong belief in God, his overall sen- timent about outer space aligns with rabbinic thought. Rhawnhurst Congregation Bais Medrash Harav B’nai Jacob Rabbi Yitzchok Leizerowski shared a similar belief about the significance of the Webb images: “Jewish tradition is replete with references to the vastness, incompre- hensibility of the cosmos.” Greater evidence of the vastness of space serves as a lesson in humility, Leizerowski said. It’s a way to teach modestly and about an individual’s lim- itations. Rabbi Abi Weber of Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel cited a midrash about a Chasidic rebbe who believes an indi- vidual should keep two slips of paper in either of their pockets. In one pocket, the slip of paper says, “I am but dust and ashes;” the other, “The universe was created just for me.” “We are teeny tiny specks. We are nothing,” Weber said. “And we have to hold within us this great truth that for each of us, the world was created because each of us has a universe in and of ourselves.” Leizerowski, strong in his belief in a deity, offers flexibility in the language one can use to describe scientific phe- nomena. He uses the phrase “first cause” to describe the genesis of the universe, opting against using “God,” which can, for some people, conjure up images of a man with a long, white beard and crown. “Whatever name you’re going to give it ... We cannot grasp this purposeful first creation,” Liezerowski said. One purpose of religion is to prescribe meaning to unexplainable happenings | Investments | Asset Management | | Capital Markets | in the universe — to find order in chaos. “If you want to try to make some sort of sense, some type of order, out of real- ity, religion provides a certain answer,” he said. Judaism and astronomy have gone hand-in-hand for centuries, asserts NASA astrophysicist Jeremy Schnittman, who studies black holes and gravitational waves. “In the ancient world, astronomy had a very practical application,” Schnittman said. “And then we see the Jewish liturgy — and also all forms of classic literature and legends, mythologies — that people would just be really fascinated with the sky.” Astronomy was used for navigation, using the stars to determine direction- ality, and agriculture, determining what crops to plant by using the cycles of con- stellations in the sky. Moon cycles have allowed Jews to track the beginnings of new months. A religious Jew and scientist, Schnittman holds onto the idea that science and religion are not mutually exclusive. He believes that the love of God is so strong, that not only did God create the universe, but also allow humans the tools to begin to compre- hend it. “Why should equations math, multi- plication and division somehow explain the actual mechanics of the entire uni- verse?” Schnittman said. “This idea that God made a world that is — it’s really a window into his own life as it were — It’s just, to me, it’s an incredible gift.” JE srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com Helping to care for the people you love! Financial advice from a knowledgeable neighbor. E. Matthew Steinberg Managing Director – Investments Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 165 Township Line Road Jenkintown, PA 19046 (215) 576-3015 matthew.steinberg@opco.com Serving Investors in Philadelphia and South Jersey for 28 Years Forbes is not affiliated with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Transacts Business on All Principal Exchanges and Member SIPC. 4504954.2 215-885-7701 www.slhomecare.com PA State Licensed / All caregivers are bonded and insured JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 7 local Cemeteries Get Creative to Offset Dwindling Business SASHA ROGELBERG | STAFF WRITER “ We might be a cemetery, but our social life isn’t dead,” reads the description of the Friends of Laurel Hill Facebook page. At first, the morbid tagline sounds like a joke, but if you were to show up at Bala Cynwyd’s Laurel Hill West cemetery on a Friday evening, you may find a smattering of people sitting on the grass enjoying a film for a Cinema in the Cemetery event. Once a year, you could stumble upon the Market of the Macabre at Laurel Hill East, with dozens of vendors selling their wares. The Philadelphia and Bala Cynwyd cemetery, founded in 1836 and home to the predominantly Jewish Laurel Hill West section, has gotten creative with its programming as a way to keep the cemetery gates open. Its business model is a solution to a common problem among cemeteries, especially Jewish ones. As cemeter- ies bury fewer people and run out of funds to maintain their grounds, they must find alternative ways to generate revenue. Some Philadelphia Jewish cemeteries are “in deep doo-doo,” worries Harry Neel, consumer service council for the Pennsylvania Cemetery Cremation and Funeral Association. Jewish cemeteries are old, and many predate endowment care laws, which mandate that cemeteries set aside funds into a trust fund; around 15% of profits from each grave must go into the fund, providing a safety net for the cemetery’s longevity. In North Philadelphia, home of many Jewish cemeteries in the area, the neighborhoods have changed since the cemeteries opened, with fewer Jews living in that part of the city. Younger people have different values than the older generation, wanting to bury their loved ones in a nondenominational cemetery, Neel posited. Others may not pay for long-term care of the grave. Lack of proper funds is what leads to a lack of maintenance: broken grave- stones, overgrown grass and uneven land. “Someday, when you’re out of land, when you have no burials to make anymore — no land to sell, no burials to make, no markers to sell, no any- thing — what’s going to cut the grass?” Neel said. Some Jewish cemeteries are turning to help from organizations, such as Friends of Jewish Cemeteries, a Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia spe- cial initiative that, with community funding, has pilot projects to repair graves at Har Nebo and Har Yehuda cemeteries. Though the scope of the project is limited in how much of a cemetery it can repair, it provides exposure to a widespread problem to the greater community. “It allows us to see tangible results that are building awareness and visibil- ity, that all of us can make a difference, that all of us can change the tide of despair,” FJC leader Rich Blumberg said. Laurel Hill’s roster of programming was designed for a similar purpose. Cemeteries were, at their founding, made to be beautiful to attract the attention of individuals for potential business. “Generating revenue is nothing new,” Laurel Hill President and CEO Nancy PLAN AHEAD FOR peace of mind. W H E N YO U M A K E YO U R F I N A L A R R A N G E M E N TS I N A DVA N C E , you can plan a memorial that truly reflects your faith and passions. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, rely on your Dignity Memorial professionals to help you design a memorial that honors the customs and rituals you cherish. When you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. ® FOREST HILLS/SHALOM ROOSEVELT HUNTINGDON VALLEY TREVOSE 215-673-5800 215-673-7500 Memorial Park Memorial Park > DignityPennsylvania.com < 8 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Laurel Hill guests at the cemetery’s Cinema in the Cemetery movie night PAYING IT FORWARD Spreading Muss Magic to more families B Laurel Hill visitors attend Market of the Macabre Courtesy of Friends of Laurel Hill Facebook page Goldenberg said. “From the get-go of the creation of cemeteries, they were money-making businesses.” Laurel Hill is no exception. Cemetery founder John J. Smith bought several lots of land next to the Schuylkill and later, in Bala Cynwyd. “Th ey were always meant to be beautiful, open spaces,” Goldenberg said. “Cemeteries are the precursors of parks. Th ere were no parks in 1836. Th ere was no art museum in 1836. Th ere was no public sculpture in 1836.” Th ough Laurel Hill thrived for over a century as a bucolic respite in the city, it, along with other urban cemeteries, suff ered in the 1960s and ‘70s, due to the disinvestment from cities because of rising economic and racial tensions. In 1978, historian John Francis Marion and a small cohort he assem- bled began giving historic tours of cemeteries, pointing out historical fi g- ures buried at the cemetery, to generate revenue. Th e tour group was the begin- ning of Friends of Laurel Hill. Th is month, Laurel Hill opened Makom Shalom, a new section of Laurel Hill West, which will contain 906 graves across three acres. It’s a testament to the cemetery’s fi nancial health, Goldenberg said. Laurel Hill continues to off er book clubs, cemetery tours and performances to visitors. However, with more creative pro- gramming, though it helps attract a wider audience, Laurel Hill must still honor its roots as a place of grieving, maintaining a balance between fun activities and respect for the dead. Goldenberg believes that fi nding a way to keep business alive will keep graves maintained and welcoming to loved ones, the cemetery’s highest priority. “Our industry is a business. Businesses have to generate revenue,” Goldenberg said. “If we don’t, we’re not able to maintain the graves of those who are buried here, and we’re not able to uphold the commitment that we promised to our families.” JE art Mellits and Barbra Berley-Mellits saw each of their three children return from Alexander Muss High School in Israel more mature, more secure in their Jewish identity, more connected to Israel, and remarkably prepared for independent college life. Now as new grandparents, they were seeking a way to contribute to Israel education access while building their legacy. That’s when they learned about the benefits of a Jewish National Fund Donor Advised Fund. “If we can help one kid who couldn’t afford to go to Muss, then we’ve succeeded, and hopefully we’ll help many more than that,” said Bart about why they chose to establish a Donor Advised Fund to issue grants for High School in Israel programs. The Mellitses explained that the vital importance of Muss begins with building a connection to Israel for teens in their formative years, but it extends to ensuring that the U.S. always has a strong base of Israel advocates who have seen it with their own eyes and understand its unique cultural and geopolitical reality. Barbra detailed, “It was important to me that our kids develop a connection to their heritage that is rooted in a nuanced understanding of the situation in Israel.” The Mellitses also value the opportunity for young people to grow into themselves. As Bart related, “The kids are on their own, interacting with people from all over the world, and exploring difficult topics. They think deeply about who they are. What this gives kids and how it prepares them for college and for life is profound.” Barbra added “The experience helped them develop leadership skills and empowered them to take on responsibilities to use those skills.” New to legacy planning, a Jewish National Fund Donor Advised Fund presented a chance for the Mellitses to determine and see their impact now. Barbra and Bart are excited that their grants will contribute to life-changing experiences for Jewish teens. Speaking about their hopes for their new grandson, Zev, they say they simply want him to love being Jewish like they do. Considering that his dad, Josh Mellits, is a Jewish National Fund professional, he is sure to do so! To learn more about the many ways you can leave your legacy with Jewish National Fund, visit jnflegacy.org or call 800-562-7526. srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 9 The Jewish Federation is proud to announce the grants for Fiscal Year 2023, resulting in more than $10 million to the community. This amount represents only a portion of the total investment the Jewish Federation makes in the community each year, often exceeding more than $40 million in total. Ensuring a Vibrant Future: The Jewish Community Fund The Jewish Community Fund is the main source of the Jewish Federation’s unrestricted dollars which helps to take care of the community locally, in Israel and around the world. $8.8 million+ in grants have been provided to 179 agencies and programs • 13 agencies and 24 programs caring for those in need • 42 of agencies and 52 programs building a vibrant Jewish community • 22 of agencies and 26 programs connecting community members with Israel and Global Jewry Empowering Self-Identifying Jewish Women and Girls: Women Of Vision The Women of Vision membership votes on grants through their Endowment Fund to programs in Greater Philadelphia and Israel (rotating annually) that align with its mission to transform the lives of self-identifying Jewish women and girls. $100,000 in grants to 3 organizations (for Fiscal Year 2023 and 2024) • Einstein Healthcare Network • Jewish Women International • jGirls+ Magazine Capital and Security Grants: Jewish Federation Real Estate Group The Jewish Federation Real Estate group utilizes its JFRE Fund to make grants that support capital improvements and security upgrades. $440,000+ in grants to 18 projects • 12 projects in Greater Philadelphia • 4 projects in Israel • 2 projects in the Global Jewish community Supporting Programs for Older Adults and Teens: The Bernard and Etta Weinberg Fund The Bernard and Etta Weinberg Fund awards grants to projects in the Greater Philadelphia area related to providing geriatric counseling and care management, services for adults ages 60+, and Jewish education. $750,000+ in grants to 8 local programs • 4 programs that provide Geriatric Care and Elderly Services • 4 programs that provide Jewish Education The Jewish Federation’s Campaign Year ends August 31. Make your gift today! Visit jewishphilly.org/donate or call 215.832.3484 10 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM YOU SHOULD KNOW ... Matthew Bussy Courtesy of Matthew Bussy JARRAD SAFFREN | STAFF WRITER M atthew Bussy is the program director for Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media. He started working for the non- profit organization when it was still just the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival — and part of the Gershman Y — in 2016. Yet when he took the job, he was not actually Jewish. The Temple University graduate and film major just needed a job. And what started as a practical decision ended up changing his life. Six years later, Bussy, 31, is very much Jewish after converting in 2020. His immersion in the Jewish film festival and other Jewish movie events, like screenings at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, gave him an appreciation for Jewish culture and history. When he started reading more about Judaism, he told his father, Gregory Bussy, who informed him that, by the way, his grandfather and great-grandfather were Jewish themselves. “It was like a lightbulb going off in my head,” Bussy said. “I remember this feeling of joy kind of overcame me.” It hasn’t left, either. Bussy attends Jewish events in the city, honors the Sabbath by lighting the candles and saying the blessings and celebrates the Jewish holidays. He calls dating “impossible” right now, but when he does settle down with some- one, he wants to raise a Jewish family. He even gets the jokes and understands what it means to make Aliyah. “I had no idea what aliyah was before,” Bussy said. The 31-year-old grew up in Media and graduated from Penncrest High School. His childhood home was sort of Unitarian Universalist, though his mom was not religious. When Bussy was 8, though, he started whining about going to church on Sunday mornings, so the family stopped. As his childhood continued, Bussy celebrated Easter and Christmas every year with his parents, but he said “it was never really religious.” “It was like, ‘Oh, this is an American thing — we have to do this; it’s tradi- tion,’” he recalled. “But we didn’t say prayers or anything.” The program director’s next encoun- ter with religion came in his mid-20s when he got the job with the film festival. At first, his connection with Judaism felt like just that. But around the time he turned 27, it got deeper. Bussy’s friends were getting into relationships and leaving the city. Suddenly, he was alone with little to do on weekends. He drank and tried to deny what was happening. But eventu- ally, he “hit a wall,” he said. “I don’t like where my life is going,” the millennial added. “What can I do?” Bussy began reading about Judaism and about “what the Talmud teaches us,” he said. The lonely young adult appreciated the emphasis on commu- nity and family, so he started attend- ing services at Congregation Rodeph Shalom on North Broad Street. It was around this same time that he told his dad about what he was doing. Just as Bussy was becoming Jewish, he learned that he already was. His paternal great-grandfather, Bernard Bussy, left Europe because he was tired of pogroms and antisemi- tism. But then the elder Bussy settled in a Pennsylvania town where “it was taboo if you were Jewish,” Matt said. Bernard stopped practicing, had a son, Robert Kenneth, and never raised him Jewish. Yet despite that, Robert Kenneth understood his roots. “My dad told me all these stories about how my grandfather was really into Judaism,” Matt Bussy said. “He went to Israel a year after it was declared a state.” In 2019, Robert Kenneth’s grandson made it back to their Holy Land on a trip for young professionals through The Chevra, a community center in Philadelphia. Matt saw the culture, the history and the food, and he felt something. “Judaism was stopped in my family lineage,” Bussy said. “I said, ‘I want to bring it back and celebrate it.’” The younger Bussy started his con- version process in 2020 before the pan- demic through Rabbi Eli Freedman at Rodeph Shalom. Even after COVID broke out, he continued with his intro- duction to Judaism class and his one- on-one meetings with Freedman. The rabbi, 42, is in his 12th year at Rodeph Shalom and regularly works with converts as part of his job. He said Bussy showed a unique amount of enthusiasm. “He had a broad range of knowledge and was already really connected to the Jewish community,” Freedman added. Bussy recalled that there was a moment during his conversion, after COVID broke out, when he doubted whether he should continue. But then he would attend a Zoom service and see congregants coming together, sing- ing and even dancing. “People who are Jewish are not giv- ing up. They’re still celebrating,” he said. JE jsaffren@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 11 editorials P resident Joe Biden’s visit to Israel last week, for the first leg of his four-day visit to the Middle East, reflected the remarkably strong bonds that have developed between Israel and the United States. Israel rolled out a warm and embracing welcome for their returning “brother Joseph,” and Biden clearly reveled in the joy of reuniting with dear friends. Biden has a half-century rela- tionship with Israel and had visited the country nine times before. This was, however, his first visit as pres- ident. Visits to Israel by the presi- dent of the United States are not a common occurrence. Indeed, in Israel’s early decades U.S. admin- istrations kept the Jewish state at arm’s length. It wasn’t until 1974 that Richard Nixon became the first U.S. president to make the trip, followed by visits by Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. And now Biden — a man who declared on the welcoming tarmac at Ben Gurion Airport that “the con- nection between the Israeli people and the American people is bone deep.” He showed that sentiment and emotion throughout his visit. For example, when Biden met two Holocaust survivors at Yad Vashem, he asked them to sit when they rose to greet him. And he then knelt before the survivors as he spoke with them. Biden left a wreath at Yad Vashem’s Hall of Remembrance where he wrote a deeply touching message in the visitor’s book: “It is a great honor to be back — back to my emotional home. We must never, ever forget because hate is never defeated — it only hides. We must teach every emerging generation that it can happen again unless we remember. That is what I teach my children and grandchildren — never forget.” Biden attended the opening cere- mony of the Maccabiah games and spoke with the U.S. delegation of players. And he got a chance to see some of Israel’s defensive technol- ogy, including the new laser defense system, Iron Beam. There were politically significant events, including meetings with Prime Minister Yair Lapid, former Prime Ministers Naftali Bennett and Benjamin Netanyahu and with President Isaac Herzog. During one meeting with Lapid, Biden signed a declaration that the United States will do all it can to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Biden also extended a very public and inviting hand to the Palestinians. He toured a Palestinian hospital in East Jerusalem, where he announced $316 million in aid for Palestinians. And he met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas where he expressed support for the cre- ation of a Palestinian state, even as he acknowledged that the time was not right for peace talks. In contrast to other aspects of his Middle East trip, Biden’s Israel visit had no drama, had no tension and was an easy lift. We join in celebrating the success of the visit and its reflection of the extraordi- nary relationship that has developed between the U.S. and Israel. May it continue to grow and strengthen. JE Joe Biden’s Saudi Adventure P resident Joe Biden’s visit to Israel had all the joy and good feelings of a family simcha — including visits with all of the feuding relatives who make up the intricate web of Israel’s complex political tapestry. But the second leg of his trip, to Saudi Arabia, had neither joy nor good feelings. Instead, Biden’s closely watched visit to the kingdom was more akin to an obligatory, solemn tribute visit to a Mafia boss who demands fealty, respect and deference, but provides nothing in return. We are not accustomed to seeing our nation’s president put in that position, especially on otherwise friendly foreign soil. And it makes us wonder what the Biden team was thinking in planning for the Saudi visit and what they think they accom- plished while there. 12 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Before his visit to Riyadh, Biden pledged to confront Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — the 36-year-old de-facto leader of Saudi Arabia, colloquially known as MBS — for ordering the brutal killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. And he promised to make Saudi Arabia “pay the price, and make them, in fact, the pariah that they are,” over that murder and the kingdom’s dismal human rights record. As to the former, Biden claims he challenged MBS over the Khashoggi murder, and the Saudis say that he didn’t. And as to the latter, there is little evidence of any serious efforts to address human rights concerns and absolutely no evidence of pariah treatment. Indeed, the opposite appears to be the case. Biden wants the Saudis to raise their oil output so increased sup- ply will drive down prices — includ- ing, hopefully, the price at American gas pumps as midterm elections approach. And Biden has apparently concluded that the United States cannot walk away from the Middle East entirely, because the vacuum left by America will be filled by Iran, Russia and China. So, he sought to reassure Arab countries that they’re doing the right thing by remain- ing with Team America. As such, although MBS may be a murderous thug, we don’t want him to be some- one else’s murderous thug. And knowing that a handshake, respectful bow or other embrace of the Saudi leader would convey either too much respect or a per- sonal closeness, Biden went for the fist bump — a move that generated even more criticism for its perceived friendly gesture between two sym- patico bros. Perhaps he should have bumped elbows, instead. Biden left the kingdom with an unclear commitment on oil pro- duction. On human rights and the Khashoggi murder, he got nothing. Yet, despite the disappointments, Biden came away from the meetings as the nice guy we all know him to be. There were no grand gestures. Nor was there finger pointing or demands. Instead, he pursued work- manlike efforts to solidify common international concerns — particularly focused upon Iran, but also relating to Russia. We continue to wonder why Biden made the trip. At the end of Biden’s Saudi adventure, there was only one winner: Mohammed bin Salman. JE flickr, Haim Zach, GPO Joe Biden Comes Home to Israel opinions & letters My 20th Anniversary in Zionism: A Brief Look Back, a Sustained Look Ahead BY STEVE FELDMAN W hat does it mean to be a Zionist today? What is it like to be a proponent of a movement; a cause; an idea that international media, Jew-haters and others would lead one to believe is despised throughout most of the world — although you know that it is a righteous and noble movement, cause and idea? These are questions to consider as I have reached my 20th anniversary as a “professional Zionist.” It was July of 2002 when I began working for the Zionist Organization of America. BDS had yet to be unleashed; the destructive, anti-Jewish tac- tic of “intersectionality” was still the positive “coa- lition-building” that helped Jews and our allies; anti-Zionist/anti-Israel activities and rhetoric were unwelcome on most American campuses and in Congress; and efforts to weaken and delegitimize Israel and Zionism from within Jewry were rare and its practitioners were outcasts. Theodor Herzl’s dream that there would be an internationally recognized Jewish state where one had existed millennia ago and where it must be located again — known as political Zionism — had been fulfilled on May 14, 1948 when Israel declared its independence, but the Zionist mis- sion was not completed. I was determined to see to it that Zionism — the liberation and social justice movement for Jewish self-determination in a nation of our own in our rightful homeland — thrive and be perpetuated, and that support for Israel and Jewish communi- ties throughout Israel be strong and secure. My determination continues and, in many respects, the persistence of opponents of Zionism, Israel and Jewry has compelled me to be at least as persistent. Imagine crossing the finish line of a race — only to be told that the finish line has been moved further away again and again, so you must keep running or pedaling, swimming or driving. This is the frustration every Zionist faces. In short: • The territory for a restored Jewish homeland promised by world powers and then by the League of Nations was reduced by 78% (to create what became the Arab kingdom of Jordan) -- with continuing demands to reduce Israel further to create a Palestinian-Arab state in Israel’s midst. • Israel survived Arab wars of annihilation waged against her in 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973, plus nonstop Palestinian-Arab murders and terrorism. Ongoing campaigns to weaken and delegitimize Israel and to deny Jewish history and rights are pervasive in media, education, governments and within interna- tional bodies and forums. • The United Nations voted that Zionism is “a form of racism and racial discrimination.” Though this despicable lie was revoked, efforts to eliminate Zionism and Israel con- tinue. • Looming is the existential danger of Iran developing nuclear weapons, with its vow to “wipe Israel off the map.” Israel is the only country where world lead- ers and politicians to this day feel compelled to announce “I support Israel’s right to exist” as though it is still in doubt. It is clear to see why a Zionist’s work is never done. This work must include proactively stating clearly what Zionism actually is; what Israel is; how the two are intertwined; and that both are essen- tial to the Jewish People and the Jewish religion. The Jewish people have a heritage to be proud of and rights we must exercise; Zionists have a history to be proud of; Israel has a list of achieve- ments and efforts to improve the world that is unparalleled given its tiny size, relative newness and persistent threats. It is essential that this information reach all Jewish eyes, ears, hearts and minds to rebuild Jewish unity on Israel and Zionism. It is crucial that it also reach non-Jews. We must emphasize reaching younger segments of both populations. We must use brief videos and new media, comic books and graphic novels, trading cards, pop cul- ture and electronic games. Zionism is and must remain an eternal move- ment so that Israel can remain an eternal Jewish state with an undivided Jerusalem as its capital. For as long as there will be Jewish people, this desire and need to have a homeland; to be able to perform mitzvot that can only be done in Israel and/or when a majority of the world’s Jews live in Israel; and to have a refuge will always exist. Zionism is more than a concept. Its ultimate fulfillment is living in Israel, and as the League of Nations declared in its Mandate for Palestine 100 years ago: that Jews participate through “close settlement of the land.” With the dedication and hard work by me and my colleagues, lay lead- ers, volunteers and others of good will — and, of course, G-d’s blessing — the Zionist movement and the Jewish state of Israel will continue to flourish. JE Steve Feldman is executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Zionist Organization of America. letters Story Left Out Part of History I enjoyed Sasha Rogelberg’s piece on Beth Sholom Congregation (“Beth Sholom Congregation Celebrates Storied Roots,” June 8). However, I was disappointed that there was no mention of Beth Sholom’s merger (acquisition) of the West Oak Lane Jewish Community Center. Isn’t that also a part of Beth Sholom’s history? I grew up attending the JCC, where I had my bar mitzvah, and where I attended services before it “merged” with Beth Sholom. At one time, it was a strong, vibrant temple and an important part of Jewish Philadelphia. Unfortunately, it was forced to close because of “problems” in the neighbor- hood, and it was taken over by Beth Sholom. Indeed, in all the years that I have been reading the Exponent, I cannot recall any mention of the West Oak Lane JCC, which was an important part of my life and my family’s life. It is almost like it never existed. Sad. Jeffrey Philip Paul Lancaster Rabbi Was Right The opinions expressed by Rabbi Charles Arian (“How Voluntary Were Those Voluntary Prayers?”, July 7) were spot on. I wonder if the justices on the Supreme Court would have issued the same ruling had the coach been Jewish. JE Abbe Miller Pescatore Havertown Letters should be related to articles that have run in the print or online editions of the JE, and may be edited for space and clarity prior to publication. Please include your first and last name, as well your town/neighborhood of residence. Send letters to letters@jewishexponent.com. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 13 opinion BY MITCHELL BARD Why Does Anyone Care About BDS Campaigns on American College Campuses? O ne reason is that it makes Jewish students uncomfortable. Some say it creates a hostile environment that makes them feel unsafe. An increase in antisemitism on campus often accompanies BDS resolutions. As snowflakey as our kids have become, they will get over their discomfort. The more significant concern is that Israel’s detractors will impact non-Jewish students and turn them against Israel, adversely affecting U.S. policy over time. As I’ve argued repeatedly in columns, the current situation is no worse than the cam- pus climate of the past. It seems more serious because of the constant media attention and the almost total absence of any reporting on the positive developments on campus (e.g., the growth of Israel studies, exemplified by the pro- gram at Berkeley, a longtime hot spot for Israel’s detractors). Even when you look at the worst campuses, the anti-Israel activists are typically a minute fraction of the student body. To give a few examples from this year, BDS resolutions adopted by student govern- ments at Ohio State (the president did not sign it), the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (killed due to irregularities), the University of California, Riverside and Louisiana State University received 14, 17, 11 and 36 votes, respectively. The press also uncritically reports the lat- est antisemitism statistics and fails to distinguish between the nearly non-existent cases of physical attacks on Jewish students and the majority of inci- dents, which are vandalism. You may have heard, for example, that antisemitic incidents increased on campus by 27% last year, but you were not informed that the number decreased 24% from its 2017 high. Also, consider the 155 total incidents ADL reported in 2021 were spread over an entire school year and thousands of schools across 50 states. Some will argue that we are seeing the impact of campus anti-Israel activity in polls showing that young adults (historically, Americans become more pro-Israel as they get older), liberals and Democrats have become more critical of Israel and supportive of the Palestinians. It’s one thing to express a negative opinion about Israel to a pollster when asked a specific question, how- ever, and another to act on that view. Supporters of Israel are far more passionate than critics and more likely to engage in political activity. So far, the adverse poll results have not trans- 14 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM lated into policy. On the contrary, despite some proposed bills that are anti-Israel, legislation that is adopted at the federal and state levels continues to be overwhelmingly pro-Israel — from the more than $4 billion in federal aid to the anti-BDS laws, exec- utive orders and resolutions adopted by 35 states. We assume that hostility toward Israel, espe- cially on elite college campuses, could lead to future policy changes. This has not happened to date. Interestingly, many of the most anti-Israel politicians did not attend these schools. Here are the alma maters of Israel’s most virulent critics: • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.): Boston University • Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.): North Dakota State University • Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.): Boston University/ Boston University Metropolitan College • Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.): Wayne State University/Western Michigan University Cooley Law School • Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.): University of New Haven • Cori Bush (D-Mo.): Harris-Stowe State University for one year and a diploma in nurs- ing from the Lutheran School of Nursing. • Betty McCollum (D-Minn.): College of St. Catherine • Marie Newman (D-Ill.): Marquette University/ University of Wisconsin-Madison • Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.): University of Georgia Not an Ivy Leaguer in the bunch. If Israel’s detractors are so influential, shouldn’t we see graduates from the most hostile campuses adversely affecting U.S.-Israel relations? This is not to say they don’t exist, maybe not in Congress, but certainly, some can be found in the U.S. State Department, the media and non-political areas of life such as business. Still, think about all the state legislatures and governors who oppose BDS. Those are also folks likely to become members of Congress. Many states have robust ties with Israel that have only grown in recent years. At least 35 states and the District of Columbia have signed cooperative agreements with Israel. Check out the economic benefits the states derive from trade with Israel. New York exports to Israel led the way, totaling nearly $3.6 billion in 2021. It’s not just the big states like New York, California ($1.4 billion) and Texas ($1.1 billion) that benefit; so do smaller ones like Oregon ($1.5 billion), Arizona ($413 million), Georgia ($280 million), Ohio ($238 million) and South Carolina ($113 million). Israel’s detractors also haven’t had any serious impact on American business. Yes, Ben & Jerry’s got a lot of publicity for its boycott, but that didn’t turn out too well for its parent company, Unilever, which has now reversed the policy after states divested from it. Ironic, isn’t it, that the only divestment is not from Israeli companies or U.S. companies doing business with Israel but from companies that boycott Israel. Meanwhile, every major technology company, from Microsoft to Google to Meta to Apple, oper- ates in Israel. Intel has huge microchip manufactur- ing plants in Israel. Israeli and American defense contractors have ongoing relations thanks to U.S. military aid and various joint programs. American companies are constantly acquiring innovative Israeli startups like Waze and Mobileye. Graduates of universities also go to work for these companies. Yes, you have the case of a handful of employees at Google and Amazon protesting one project in Israel, but that did not change those companies’ commitment to it. Being Jews, we are naturally cynical, if not pes- simistic. Even if we believe Mitchell, some of you are thinking, the situation will get worse. Those liberal Democrats trending against Israel in the polls will come to power. Well, maybe. At the moment, having nothing to do with Israel, “the Squad” and other progressives are facing a backlash, and folks like James Carville have warned Democrats their political futures are endangered by fealty to the woke. In the midterms, you will not see many candi- dates running on an anti-Israel platform. Those who do will be opposed by candidates who will receive massive support from the pro-Israel com- munity. Because of the demographics of their districts, it may not be possible to knock off the members of “The Squad,” but its numbers are not likely to grow. Today, by any measure — military, economic, political — U.S.-Israel relations are as strong if not more robust than they have ever been despite six decades of anti-Israel campus activity. Friends of Israel, take the win. JE Mitchell Bard is a foreign-policy analyst and an authority on U.S.-Israel relations who has written and edited 22 books. opinion BY GALL SIGLER Repairing Israel’s Ailing Relationship with American Jewry Requires Political Stability Oleksii Liskonih / iStock / Getty Images Plus S ince the national elections in April 2019, political stability eluded Israel. The numerous elections that followed, largely viewed as referenda on Netanyahu’s domination of Israeli politics for the past decade, failed to produce sturdy coalitions. On Nov. 1, Israelis will head to the polls once again, for the fifth time in 3½ years. The political chaos that plagues Israel bolstered political apathy and exacerbated social divisions within the Israeli Jewish community. Most signifi- cantly, the Israeli government appears paralyzed and unable to pass necessary reforms. Notable are the widely-reported budget delays, transportation reforms and the US Visa Waiver program. Ultimately, the fragile coalitions and repeated elections made a coherent government strategy, necessary to tackle politically complex issues, impossible. Israeli politicians appear somewhat willing to cooperate on obvious national security issues, such as Iran and Hamas. Yet the preoccupa- tion with short-term issues and election campaign- ing left festering wounds untreated. Among those wounds is the aching relationship between Israel and American Jewry. Recent polls reveal how profound the chasm between American and Israeli Jews became. In 2021, Pew Research Center found that 71% of American Jews identify with the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, only 8% of Israel Jews identify their political ideology as leftist. During the Trump administration, the ideological disconnect between Israeli and American Jews reached a new high. While American Jews balked at Trump’s politics, Israelis revered his blatant pro-Israeli policy. At the end of his tenure, Trump had an overwhelming 71% approval rating in Israel, whereas only 27% of American Jews viewed Trump in a favorable light before the 2020 presidential elections. The differing political postures of Israeli and American Jews are often contextualized by the dif- ferent political environments the two states inhabit. American Jews have long accepted Israeli security needs in the region and the exceptional nature of its political predicament. Yet the rightward shift in Israeli politics has left many American Jews, most of whom are liberal, unable to reconcile their attachment to Israel and their political ideology. The absence of peace negotiations in years, cou- pled with the destruction wrecked in Gaza in 2014, 2018 and 2021, left American Jews questioning Israel’s intentions. Strikingly, only 33% of American Jews believe Israel is making a genuine attempt to reach a peace resolution with the Palestinians. The differing political postures between Israeli and American Jews are understandable; diversity of political opinion within the Jewish world is argu- ably desirable. Nevertheless, the fact that American Jewry, the majority of which believes Israel and an independent Palestinian state can coexist, ques- tion the integrity of Israeli policy, must raise alarm in the Knesset corridors. Meanwhile, in light of the political turmoil, Israeli-Palestinian peace has been marginalized from the political discourse. Beyond the political alienation of American Jews, Israel has made few efforts to promote inclusive Jewish institutions that welcome the diversity of American Jews. The vast majority of Jews in the US either identify as Reform or do not affiliate with any particular branch; only 9% of American Jews are Orthodox. In Israel, however, the Orthodox tradition reigns exclusively. At the nascence of Israel, a compromise between the largely secular Labor movement and the Orthodox minority was reached. The “status quo,” as it came to be known, anointed the Rabbinate as a quasi-governmental entity. The elected gov- ernment relinquished sovereignty over family law and personal status, such as marriage, divorce and conversions, to the Orthodox institution. American Jews have long lamented the exclu- sionary nature of the Orthodox Rabbinate, which refuses to accept the Reform and Conservative traditions. Recognizing inclusive policies as a focal point to revamping Israel’s relationship with American Jews, numerous governments pursued legislation that would ease Orthodox restrictions. Nonetheless, the reforms were quickly pushed aside to protect precarious coalitions. In 2016, the Israeli government approved a plan to open a praying section at the Western Wall, to welcome Jews of non-Orthodox denominations. Under the Orthodox tradition, men and women are separated at the Western Wall, and women are not allowed to read from the Torah. However, the plan, welcomed by American Jews as a significant move toward a pluralistic accep- tance of Jewish diversity, was never applied due to the objection of Orthodox coalition members. While Bennett wished to reinvigorate the non-Orthodox praying plan, fears that drastic policy changes would hinder the unity of Bennett’s razor-thin coali- tion convinced him to forgo the plan. The relationship between American Jews and Israel is not beyond repair. Most American Jews feel deeply connected to Israel, with only 16% of American Jews claiming that Israel is not important to them. Neither did most American Jews give up on the notion that Judaism and democracy can cohabitate in Israel. The critical question is whether the Israeli government is willing to accept that meaningful reform cannot be overlooked if the rela- tionship is to be improved. The upcoming elections in Israel must be more than another referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu; the elections must recognize the heavy price of reactionary politics. In the absence of a strategic approach to the myriad challenges facing Israel, among them the aching relationship with American Jews, Israel will continue to alienate American Jews. If Israel is to repair its relationship with American Jewry, it must advance political and reli- gious reforms that indeed signal Israel’s devotion to its claim to be an inclusive home to all Jews. JE Gall Sigler is a rising senior at Yale University, a native of Israel and a Jewish Exponent intern. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 15 opinion BY MATI TUCHFELD T he current election campaign is giving many people a sense that, unlike the last three years, there won’t be another on its heels. This time, things will be different, and not only if Benjamin Netanyahu and the right-wing bloc secure 61 seats. This time, something will happen that will upset everything and allow the system to put a stable, functioning government in place. No one can explain exactly what this will be. Will the haredim leave the right-wing bloc? Will there be a revolt in the Likud? Will a party from the anti-Netanyahu bloc give in and join a Netanyahu government? It’s not clear, but that doesn’t change people’s sense of things. This sense of change in the air was the primary motivation behind the New Hope-Blue and White merger. Of course, there was also the strong sense that New Hope wouldn’t make it past the elec- toral threshold by itself. But for some time, Blue and White leader Benny Gantz has been walking around feeling like he missed out, that his com- mitment to his bloc has come at a very high price. He is the only coalition party leader who wasn’t promoted, even though he was also the only one who could have switched sides. Gantz turned down offers of a rotating premier- ship, despite warnings from the haredi parties. Not out of any heroic sense of devotion, but because he was afraid of the media. He had already gone over to the other side once and suffered for it. But Gantz hasn’t shelved his dream of becom- ing prime minister. He thinks that this election could bring him the opportunity of his life. While Netanyahu and Lapid will prefer to fight their battles in public, Gantz thinks that the real fight isn’t between Lapid and Netanyahu, but rather between himself and Netanyahu. He believes that Netanyahu will have one chance to form a govern- ment, and if he can’t, the mandate will go to Gantz. Gideon Sa’ar sees things the same way. If he wants to be part of a future coalition, he should bet on Gantz, not Lapid. They both saw the strong message coming from Netanyahu’s circle over these past two weeks, which was a direct attack on Lapid, saying he will form a government with the Joint List. On one hand, Netanyahu knows that brutal, extremist attacks are off-putting to the moderate right, the ones who voted for Yamina and New Hope in the last election. Netanyahu wouldn’t waste much time on them if he wasn’t in critical need of their votes. To win their support, he needs to tone it down and muzzle the people in the Likud who spark 16 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM antagonism like David Amsalem or Miri Regev. On the other hand, Netanyahu can pick up other votes, like the people who didn’t vote last time around. The way to wake up apathetic Likudniks is to lay into his rivals: the left, Lapid, the legal sys- tem, the media and all the rest of the right’s sworn enemies. The problem is that a campaign tailored to those voters will repel the others and vice versa. Over the last two weeks, Netanyahu has found the perfect formula: the claim that Lapid cannot form a government without the Joint List. This mes- sage has no need for crude rhetoric or hyperbole, and all the studio pundits will have to agree with it, because it happens to be true. For Netanyahu, the Gantz-Sa’ar merger is a com- plication. It’s a third possibility for a government, without the Joint List. Right now, as long as Gantz and Sa’ar are polling in the double digits, Gantz’s candidacy for prime minister can gain traction in terms of their message. If they poll in the single digits, they’ll need to rethink their strategy. We’ve already had a prime minister with only six man- dates, but it wasn’t a success that Gantz can point to as an example. Netanyahu can try to paint the new Gantz-Sa’ar list as part of the left, and possibly take a few of the right-wing voters Sa’ar brought with him. The pre- vailing belief, however, is that Netanyahu will focus on criticizing Lapid. Still, Gantz has a long way to go before he becomes prime minister. Assuming he isn’t tempted to join forces with the Joint List, conditions will have to be right for him to execute his plan. First, the haredim would have to defect from the right- wing bloc. This might be easier for United Torah Judaism, but when it comes to Shas, it’s much more complicated. The UTJ haredim, particularly those from the Degel Hatorah faction, have already made it clear to Netanyahu that, if it is up to them, there will be no sixth election. They want a government, with him or without him. At the moment, “without him” looks impossible, but both UTJ and Blue and White think that if Netanyahu fails to form a government this time around, something will shift and the Likud will become restive. There could even be a party revolt. And they believe there is already a coalition that could be formed. It includes the haredi factions and Blue and White, without radical players like Yisrael Beiteinu, Ra’am or the Joint List. The Likud would share power with Gantz, but not Lapid. This, UTJ and Blue and White think, could change the map. And if it doesn’t, if Netanyahu loses, they think he will double down on his attempts to reach a plea deal in his corruption case, which could force him to leave politics. If they’re wrong, Gantz can forget about being prime minister, and there would be yet another election. The primary motivation of all the parties outside the right-wing camp is to keep Netanyahu out of government. If it comes down to forming a shaky coalition, another election or joining a Netanyahu government, they would all opt for one of the first two options. At least, everyone but Ayelet Shaked, whom the “anyone but Bibi” camp counts as part of Netanyahu’s bloc. Meanwhile, this week Labor members will vote between current party leader Meirav Michaeli and party secretary Eran Hermoni, who is much pre- ferred by the old guard. In recent years, Hermoni has fought against attempts to change the party’s constitution, empty the party institutions of value and take away any vestiges of democracy. For the most part, he has failed. The traditional party activ- ists see him as a better representative of Labor values, but Michaeli as the one who can bring in the votes. Unlike Hermoni, Michaeli continues to insist that Labor will not run on a joint ticket with any other left- wing party, despite warnings from senior Meretz officials, who are following the polls with concern. After Meretz leader Nitzan Horowitz resigned, Yair Golan appears to be the last man standing, and with all due respect to Golan, despite his venom- ous attacks on the right, many in the party still see him as a symbol of the “occupation” and militarism in Israeli society. The Meretz top brass know their voters, so they are doing everything they can to persuade former party leader Zehava Gal-On to come back and take the wheel. Since she resigned from politics, Gal- On’s comments have become harsher and more bitter, but for the Meretz leadership she would still be preferable to a former general. JE Mati Tuchfeld is Israel Hayom’s senior political correspondent. This article was originally pub- lished by Israel Hayom. XtockImages / iStock / Getty Images Plus We Are at a Critical Junction in Israeli Politics nation / world Biden the First President to Appear at Maccabiah Games Joe Biden became the first U.S. president to attend the Maccabiah Games, known also as the Jewish Olympics, on July 14, JTA reported. The audience at the opening ceremony of the 21st games showered Biden with affection as thousands cheered “Joe” repeatedly and shouted things like, “We love you, Mr. President” at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem. Biden, flanked by Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, waved a baseball cap emblazoned with the letters USA for several minutes as the crowd cheered. Biden, who wrapped up the Israel leg of his four-day visit to the Middle East, showed up at a bulletproof glass box installed for him there just before the announcers welcomed in the American delegation of athletes. Organizers claim that the event is the third-largest sports gathering in the world, with 10,000 athletes from 60 countries. But in a timing mishap, he appeared to leave before the U.S. delegation appeared. Biden and the Israeli leaders then returned to the bullet-proof glass box to wave to the American delegation, who responded to him by bouncing up and down and blowing kisses in his direction. Barcelona Gets World’s First Michelin-starred Kosher Restaurant The typical menu at Xerta, a Barcelona restaurant that earned a coveted star from the Michelin Guide, reads like an haute-cuisine treyf banquet: non-kosher dishes such as lobster, squid and oysters, JTA reported. Yet the restaurant has become a hot spot for Barcelona’s small number of kosher-keeping Jews. That’s because with a little advance notice, Xerta will prepare food according to Jewish dietary laws in a separate kitchen, under the supervision of a local Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi. The restaurant pursued kosher certification, which makes Xerta the only Michelin-starred kosher restaurant in the world, largely to attract Barcelona’s rising numbers of Jewish visitors. Exclusive Women’s Apparel Boutique Made in USA Custom designs, color options and free alterations available Evening Gowns Suits/Separates Cocktail Dresses 61 Buck Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 www.elanaboutique.com (215)953-8820 Make an appointment to consult with the designer Monday-Friday 10am-3pm Ashes of Around 8,000 Nazi Victims Found in Mass Grave in Poland The burnt remains of approximately 8,000 victims of the Nazis were unearthed in a mass grave outside the town of Działdowo, the Polish Institute of National Remembrance announced on July 13, JTA reported. It is believed that the victims were killed in 1939, and most were likely members of the Polish political elite, according to IPN head investigator Tomasz Jankowski. During the spring of 1944, in an attempt to hide the extent of their crimes, Nazis ordered Jewish prisoners of the Soldau concentration camp, where Jews and non-Jewish Poles were imprisoned, to dig up and burn the bodies. The estimate of 8,000 victims was based on the weight of the remains, a grue- some tally of more than 17 tons. The camp outside Działdowo, which was renamed Soldau during the German occupation of Poland, was part of the Nazi plan to eliminate Jews, political oppo- nents and members of the Polish intelligentsia. Experts believe that approximately 30,000 people were killed at Soldau, but the true number has never been determined. A search is ongoing to determine if there are more mass graves in the area. Hold Onto Your Hummus: Global Chickpea Supply Could Drop 20% Lovers of hummus and falafel beware: Data shows that global supplies of chickpeas, the main ingredient for both dishes, may dip up to 20% this year, JTA reported. A combination of Russia’s war in Ukraine, poor weather and transportation issues is leading to the shortage, which is predicted to increase prices and make cheap hummus harder to come by, Reuters reported. Farmers in the United States, the fourth-largest chickpea exporter in the world, planted less of the legume this year due to less than ideal weather conditions in the spring. Russia is also a top chickpea producer. Global sanctions have interrupted the country’s global chickpea exports. JE — Compiled by Andy Gotlieb FREE ESTIMATES PERSONALIZED SERVICE SENIOR DOWNSIZING DECLUTTER / HOARDING CLEAN OUTS ALL ITEMS SOLD, DONATED, OR REPURPOSED RESPECTFUL OF HOMES WITH ACCUMULATIONS OF 30+ YEARS JOLIE OMINSKY OWNER SERVING PA, DE, NJ JOCSERNICA@YAHOO.COM 610-551-3105 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 17 feature story Philadelphia Family Connects with Long-Lost Cousins Who Survived the Holocaust JARRAD SAFFREN | STAFF WRITER A s a kid growing up in Philadelphia, Rick DeSouza had more than 25 fi rst cousins. So naturally, he always wondered why he never met any of his mother Ida’s cousins. When DeSouza asked her, she told him they had “perished at the hands of the Nazis during World War II,” he recalled. Ida died in 2005 believing this to her grave. Yet it turned out she was wrong. In February of 2021, Paula Diamond, the widow of Ida’s brother, Harry Diamond, received a letter from a Frenchman named Jacques Wawer. He said he was trying to fi nd his “long-lost Diamond cousins from Philadelphia.” Wawer, his brother Louis and his sister Helene were Ida and Harry’s fi rst cousins — the children of a brother of Ida and Harry’s mother Bertha Diamond, he explained. Th ey had survived the Holocaust. Aft er their father, Abraham Wawer, was taken to Auschwitz, the siblings pretended to be Christian and hid out in the home of a Christian family near Paris. Upon receiving Jacques Wawer’s letter, Paula Diamond spread the word to her extended family members and started a correspondence. Th en, one winter aft ernoon in 2021, Rick, Paula and several extended family members got on a Zoom call with Jacques, Louis and Helene, and they listened to their story of survival. On July 21, the French cous- ins will arrive in the Philadelphia suburbs to meet their “long-lost Diamond cousins” in person for the fi rst time. DeSouza, a Jewish Realtor who lives in a 55 and over community in Warwick, wrote about the saga in his community’s monthly newsletter. “When we all got together one late aft ernoon last winter, it was quite a moment,” he wrote. “We learned that their dad was caught in the roundup in Paris and sent to Auschwitz, never to be seen again,” he continued. 18 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM “Needless to say, all of the cousins on this side of the pond, are counting the days until they arrive,” he concluded. DeSouza, his aunt Paula Diamond and his cousins Debbie Wogalter, Lisa Kirkpatrick, Nancy Wagner and Lisa Watkins were all on the Zoom call. Th ey had never known that these cousins existed before that 2021 letter. Yet they all felt like they needed to be there. “I just think that it’s so important for us to connect to these cousins we never knew about, and to hear their story,” DeSouza said. “I think it’s my obligation, for my parents.” DeSouza’s mother Ida grew up in an Orthodox home, then raised her children “basically Conservative,” as the son described it. But she always instilled in them an understanding of the past and an appreciation for their relative safety in the United States. Ida’s motto, which she repeated to her son over and over, was, “Never, ever forget.” Today, the son doesn’t. Th e 69-year-old does not attend synagogue, but he does light Shabbat candles every Friday night. Wogalter, the daughter of Henry Diamond, who is a sibling of Ida and Harry and a son of Bertha’s, also grew up in a household that moved away from Orthodox Judaism. But she did attend six years of The Diamond siblings led a happy life in the United States. Courtesy of Rick DeSouza Jacques and Helene Wawer in the 1960s Courtesy of Lisa Kirkpatrick Hebrew school, have a bat mitzvah and go to syna- gogue on the High Holidays. She continued going to synagogue on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur into adulthood but stopped about eight years ago. Her Jewish identity, though, never left her. So, like her cousin Rick, she feels that it’s important to remember. “It keeps the Holocaust alive,” Wogalter said. “Every American and everybody in the world should know about the Holocaust.” Jacques, Louis and Helene must have felt the same thing. Th ey found their American family members because Jacques hired a genealogist out of Poland. Wogalter believes he hired the genealogist because he knew “something about Philly.” Th at something might have been Bertha Diamond’s backstory. In 1913, at age 18 and with her name still Bertha Wawer, she left her brother Abraham and their family behind in Poland to come to the U.S. She wanted to fi nd a husband and a better life than the oppression Jews faced in her native land, according to DeSouza. Bertha found that husband, Rubin Diamond, and that better life, having 11 children including Ida, Harry and Henry. Th ey raised their children Orthodox and, when news of the Holocaust reached them, “we always had deep-rooted feelings about it,” said DeSouza, who saw those feelings later on in his mother who grew up in that house. “Th at it was just impossible that people would kill you over your religion,” he recalled. Th rough Bertha’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean and her realization of her American dream, her fam- ily never realized that its story was also continuing across the ocean. Th ey just knew that, sometime aft er Jacques found that genealogist, a letter reached Paula Diamond in the U.S. “And the next thing you know, it just all unrolled,” Wogalter said. Henry Diamond is 90 and the last surviving child of Bertha and Rubin Diamond. Last August aft er the let- ter, Debbie took him to France to meet Jacques, Louis and Helene, his fi rst cousins, for the fi rst time. Th ey visited the Louvre, Versailles and other French landmarks. At one point, Henry and Helene walked across the street holding hands and Debbie snapped a picture. “It really hit home,” she said. One story from the Zoom meeting also stood out. As DeSouza explained in his ref lection in his Rubin and Bertha Diamond Courtesy of Rick DeSouza community newsletter, one day during the war, Jacques got into a fight with a child of his host family. The father yelled at the Jewish boy and was ready to report the siblings to the police and turn them over. So he did, but when the officer arrived, he asked the French patriarch if his taxes were up to date. Th e cop informed the man that if they weren’t, he would have to arrest him, too. Th e Wawer children got to stay. “Hearing that, all of the American cousins let out a big sigh of relief!” Rick wrote. When the Wawers are in the Philadelphia area, the family plans to visit Mount Sharon Cemetery in Springfi eld. Bertha and Abraham’s mother Eva Rebecca, who moved to the United States to help her daughter raise 11 kids, is buried there. Th e family is also going to visit some Philadelphia sites, including the area that Ida, Harry, Henry and their siblings grew up in. Perhaps more importantly than anything else, though, they are all just going to keep talking. DeSouza wants to hear more stories about their father, their mother and his other relatives whom he never knew about. He also wants to learn more about how they made it through. “I can’t imagine how that was. We’re so lucky to be here in the United States,” he said. “It really does bring everything home. Especially because we’re all Jews.” JE jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 19 food & dining KERI WHITE | SPECIAL TO THE JE e recently had a house guest whose spouse is on a low-salt diet for health reasons. I asked him about his dietary preferences for his visit, and he said, semi-jokingly, “When I’m away, I’m on a high-salt diet!” Obviously, I didn’t want to serve up high blood pressure with dinner, but I did focus on ingredients that he prob- ably can’t have at home — things like soy and miso, which are delicious but do have a fair share of salt. Because we were at the beach, and he is from Colorado, I also wanted to off er some local fi sh that he doesn’t oft en fi nd at home. Tilefi sh is a delicious variety that is caught off the Jersey coast and worked beautifully with this meal — but any fi rm fi sh like grouper, halibut, cod, salmon, haddock or tilapia would be a fi ne substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for the fi sh; the tile- fi sh was about an inch thick, but as a thinner fi let, tilapia would require less cooking time. We served this with sushi rice, which is a bit sticky and has a diff erent texture from regular rice. Th e sauce coated it well, and the rice rounded out the meal nicely, keeping with the “eastern” vibe. If sushi rice is not convenient, any type of rice or noodle would be enjoyable with this dinner. Soy-Ginger Glazed Fish Serves 4 The glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If you use this XML Financial Group Expands to Philadelphia Metro Area - Welcomes Samson Wealth Management Group of Fort Washington, PA. XML Financial Group (“XML”) is an independent wealth and investment and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and families across the country. For more information about XML, please visit www.xmlfg.com. Mark Samson - Senior Partner Samson Wealth Management Group Fort Washington, PA 19034 215-693-5000 mark@samsonwmg.com through XML Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. 20 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM ALLEKO / iStock / Getty Images Plus W Summer Supper Featuring Soy, Ginger and Miso method, the fi sh will need an extra 10 minutes in the oven to compen- sate for the cold glaze. The hot glaze poured right from the skillet acceler- ates the cooking process. 1.5 pounds tilefi sh or other fi llet 1 teaspoon canola oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1-inch piece ginger, grated 3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon chopped chili pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce like Sriracha Juice of 1 lime 1 tablespoon sesame oil ¼ cup water Heat your oven to 275 degrees F. In a large skillet over medium, heat the canola oil, and sauté the onion, garlic, chilies and ginger until fragrant and soft, about fi ve minutes. Add the soy, sesame, water and lime juice, and toss the lime rinds in as well. Cook over low until the sauce thickens, about eight minutes. While the sauce simmers, place the fi sh in a baking dish with a cover. Remove the lime rinds, pour the sauce over the fi sh and bake, covered, for 20 minutes, or until the fi sh is opaque throughout and fl akes easily. Serve immediately. Salad with Miso Dressing Serves 4 This simple salad was a hit and com- plements the fi sh nicely. It would also be nice as a bed for grilled salmon, tuna, chicken or fl ank steak. I used the micro sprouts and pea shoots that I found at my local farm- ers market from the gifted folks at Taproot Farm, but if you can’t fi nd them, just add an extra cup of greens. 6 cups baby greens (spring mix, arugula, mache or tatsoi) ½ cup microgreens sprouts such as broccoli or radish sprouts 1 cup pea shoots 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 carrot, grated 1 scallion, white and green parts, chopped For the dressing: ¼ cup miso (any type) 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon honey 2 teaspoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil Place all the salad ingredients in a large, shallow bowl. Mix the ingredi- ents well, making sure to break up the miso, and thoroughly blend to an even consistency, either with a fork or a blender. Toss it over the salad just before serving. JE arts & culture Philadelphia Native Details Disney Labor Disputes T SASHA ROGELBERG | STAFF WRITER he man who helped create Disney Studios’ golden age was the same man who helped end it. Art Babbitt, a Jewish animator for Disney Studios, worked on projects such as “Pinocchio,” “Fantasia” and “Dumbo”; he helped develop the character of Goofy. But away from his drawing board, Babbitt was a union proponent, leading animation artists in a strike against their company and Walt Disney in the early 1940s. The story in all its complexities is detailed in “The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age” published July 5 by Chicago Review Press. The book was written by Philadelphia native and Jewish animator Jake S. Friedman. Babbitt’s call for unionization mirrors those of his Jewish predecessors on the East Coast. “You’ll see time and time again, people who lead like the garment workers union in New York and so on, always appear to be Jews, usually Jewish immigrants,” Friedman said. Friedman, 41, suggested that Jewish union efforts were the result of the failed promise of a land of greater opportunity and the desire for escaping the oppressive structures of their home countries. In a time of pervasive unionization efforts across Hollywood, Disney trailed behind the rest. Even in its golden age, the company shrunk its animator employee base from 1,400 to 600 at its small- est. Some animators, the “inbetweeners” who drew the in-between drawings, were given a salary of what would be $18,000 today. After Babbitt led his co-workers in a nine-week strike, what followed was a battle of public relations, Friedman said. Strikers were called communists, and strik- ers claimed that Disney was antisemitic. “This made Babbitt’s martyrdom more personal and gave them justification to antagonize Walt Disney,” Friedman wrote. “It became a battle cry of the strik- ers, who wanted to punish Walt the way they felt they had been punished.” The antisemitic claims were lofty; Disney had many Jews in his inner circle, and the accusations emerged during a bitter period after the strike. Friedman has personal ties to the sub- ject of the novel beyond his shared Jewish identity with Babbitt. An instructor of animation history at New York University Tisch School of the Arts, his alma mater, and the Fashion Institute of Technology, Friedman has a passion for the medium. He also has deep roots in labor organizing. Growing up in Elkins Park, Friedman was shaped by the Jewish educa- tors by which he was surrounded. He attended Solomon Schechter Day School and Akiba/Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, but continued to be influenced by educators outside of school. Friedman’s mother, father and grand- mother participated in the Philadelphia teacher’s strike in 1973. They all volun- teered to get arrested, as striking was illegal, and a photo of Friedman’s father getting arrested appeared in the Feb. 19, 1973, Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. The family treasured the newspaper clipping. “That was as much of my makeup as my Jewish identity,” Friedman said. “Part of my heritage was knowing that I came from strikers who fought for what they believed.” “The Disney Revolt” was written for a broader audience with the hope that anyone, even those without a back- ground or interest in animation and history, could draw inspiration from it. The book is a call to action for others to learn more about labor organizing beyond what was happening in 20th century Hollywood. “It’s not an East Coast thing. It’s not a West Coast. It’s not a Midwest thing. It’s an American thing,” he said. “And I want people who read this book, who wouldn’t otherwise be accustomed to that idea, to “The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age” was published July 5 by Chicago Review Press. Courtesy of Jake S. Friedman get a kernel of some information that will encourage them to learn more.” JE srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 21 obituaries A René Slotkin, a Rare Surviving ‘Mengele Twin,’ Dies at 84 JACKIE HAJDENBERG | JTA.ORG s a physical education teacher at an Orthodox boys school in New York City, René Slotkin frequently wore short-sleeved shirts — leaving the numbers tattooed into his arm visible to anyone who saw him. His story of Holocaust survival was remarkable: Slotkin and his sister were among just 200 sets of twins to survive gruesome experimentation by the infa- mous Nazi physician Josef Mengele at Auschwitz, then were reunited six years aft er being separated. Slotkin’s story, which he told and retold, including in a fi lm about his fam- ily, was never far from the minds of his fellow congregants at Congregation Ohab Zedek, the Upper West Side syn- agogue down the block from his home where he studied Talmud every morning A RESOLUTION OF ABRAMSON SENIOR CARE The Board of Trustees of Abramson Senior Care record with sorrow the passing of their esteemed colleague and friend Dorothy Wasserman, z”l whose commitment to Jewish causes and philanthropy benefited the seniors served by Abramson Senior Care, and who served as an example to the entire community. Dottie joined the Board of Trustees in 2012, but was a devoted champion of Abramson Senior Care since 1980, supporting our mission alongside her beloved husband and former Abramson Board Chair, Leonard z”l. She was a Life Member of the Auxiliary and served as an Honorary Auxiliary Board Member.  A cherished volunteer, Dottie sat on and chaired various committees. She served as our Gala Committee Chair in 1999 and was active on our Building for Life Campaign Committee, Resident Quality of Life Committee, Resident Program Fund and Family Fun Day. Dottie was a longtime patron of our Rainbow Ball and most recently was a sponsor of our Together in Harmony fundraiser. Abramson Senior Care and our entire Jewish community were truly fortunate to have been the beneficiary of her time, leadership, and enduring tzedakah. To her family, children Bobbi Wasserman (Harry Koplin), Ted Wasserman (Marcia Lyons), James Wasserman, son-in-law Howard Wenitsky; grandchildren Alex (Danielle), Ian, Zachary (Anna), Natalie, Jennifer (Jon), Samantha, and Erica; and great-grandchildren Jordan, Josie, and Lena; and all who mourn her passing, the Board of Trustees of Abramson Senior Care offer this expression of profound sympathy. May they find solace in the knowledge that her dedication, generosity and good works will serve as a living tribute to her and will benefit future generations. Lorraine Drobny Board Chair 22 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Sean Gregson President and CEO well into his 80s. “I still fi nd it staggering that a man who saw so much horror and devastation not only clung to his faith and belief, but did so with happiness and hakarat hatov,” or gratitude, Jonathan Field wrote in the Jewish Link about his fellow con- gregant, who died on July 17 at 84. Born René Guttmann in 1937 in Teplice-Sanov, Czechoslovakia, Slotkin was only 4 years old when he and his twin sister Irene were deported to Th eresienstadt with their mother, Ita, in 1942. (Th eir father Herbert was taken to Auschwitz in 1941 and died there.) Two years later, they were moved to Auschwitz, where their mother was killed and the twins were separated and subjected to medical abuse by Mengele. Aft er the camps were liberated, Slotkin was repatriated to Czechoslovakia and lived with two families. Irene, who had René Slotkin Image courtesy of B.A. Van Sise / Design by Mollie Suss via JTA.org initially been placed with a Christian family in Oświęcim, Poland (the town where Auschwitz is located) was even- tually found by the Joint Distribution Committee, who wanted to return her to a Jewish family. Irene and another survivor became the “poster children” for the Rescue Children Inc. initiative and were taken to New York City, where they were photographed for LIFE Magazine. Shortly thereafter, Irene was adopted by the Slotkin family in Long Island. After Irene told her adoptive parents that she had a twin brother, the Slotkins hired a private investigator to look for him in Europe. In a rare story of reunification, René was adopted by the Slotkins in 1950. He was 12 and had not seen his sister in six years. In “René and I,” the 2005 documentary about Irene’s life, Slotkin recalled that moment of reunification. “As a matter of fact, the night that I arrived in America and we first saw each other, we said nothing. We just looked at each other,” he said. “There was no running to each other, hugging or kissing. Nothing like that. That was it. That’s all I remember from that night.” After college, Slotkin joined the National Guard, where he reached the rank of sergeant and served in the reserves for seven years. He was one of the few survivors of Auschwitz who served in the U.S. military, and he was also unusual for wearing a kippah and observing Shabbat during his service. He remembered being shocked that his fellow mili- tary members did not know much, if anything, about Judaism, and that they didn’t recognize the numbers on his arm as that of a concentration camp tattoo — they had assumed it was a Social Security number or a phone number. Slotkin’s first son was born while he was in the military, and he and his first wife had two more children before they divorced. Some years later, he married a teacher, June Slotkin, with whom he had a daughter. It took Slotkin and his sister nearly four decades before they started speaking openly about their experiences during the Holocaust. In 1985, they went to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, in Jerusalem to take part in a mock trial of Josef Mengele focused on his abuse of twins, where Nazi war crimes investigator Simon Wiesenthal served on the panel. Mengele’s body was discovered in Brazil a year later. He had drowned in 1979. In his later years, Slotkin volunteered at Camp Sharon in Tannersville, New York, where he taught woodworking and sports, and taught children about the Holocaust and what it means to be a survivor. “I want kids to know how I appreciate life today,” he said in “René and I.” “I tell them the things that I’ve learned and the things that I consider of value are things that should be passed on.” In the 1990s, Irene developed multiple sclerosis, which she and her brother attributed to the abuse she suffered as a Mengele twin — they suspected that she was the one subjected to “experiments” while René was the “control variable.” Irene died in 2019. “I feel very, very lucky that I escaped,” Slotkin said in the 1997 interview. “I have what I think are the true riches. I have a wife that loves me, that I love. I have a family. I belong to a synagogue, I’m a member of a com- munity. I have good friends, I seem to be healthy.” He added: “But then there’s a little bit of emptiness.” René is survived by his wife June, whom he called “the best woman in the world”; his four children, Zebbe, David, Corrie and Mia; 11 grandchildren, and a great-grand- child. JE DUBOFF HUBERT - On Friday, July 8, 2022, Hu- bert Duboff, loving husband of Ileen (nee Levin), father of Gary and Bruce, and proud Gramps of Jacob, Lindsey, Drew, and Max, passed away at the age of 89. Hubert was born on June 1, 1933, near 40th & Girard in Philadelphia, PA, to Jo- seph and Minnie Duboff. “Hubie,” as he was known to his friends, joined the Navy after high school. He proudly served in the Korean Conflict, unfortunately los- ing much of his hearing due to a bomb explosion, but never letting that issue dampen his spirit. On May 27, 1955, he married Ileen Levin, of Feltonville. They raised two sons, Gary (wife Bonnie nee Lubowitz), and Bruce (wife Sherry nee Goodman), and then Gary and Bruce raised two grandchildren each, Jacob (wife Hanna Good), Lindsey (fiancé Max Bernstein), Drew, and Max. Hubert worked many jobs in his life, from driving a cab, opening a novelty store, selling shoes, and managing a Bingo parlor, but he found his true calling in the early 1980s when he began selling men’s clothing. He loved being his own boss, and he especially loved when Gary and Bruce came to the flea market at 5 am on Thanksgiving Day to help sell sweaters. His spirit was richer than a king’s. He never failed to provide for his family, who meant the world to him. At one time, he even delivered pizza so his family could have what he couldn’t. Hubert was hap- piest when his family was happy, and he would sacrifice anything to make that happen. His wife Ileen was his entire Universe, and he had an almost pup- py-like devotion to her. Hubert Duboff lived a full and rich life, and he loved and was loved by many, many people. No one can boast more wealth than that. PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS www.plattmemorial.com ELKINS WAYNE, July 6, 2022, of Radnor, PA. Beloved son of Adele and the late Armin Elkins; loving brother of Beth Cutler and Alexis Elkins; cherished uncle of Aaron (Mariana) Cutler, Sa- mantha Cutler, Jacob Elkins and Emma Elkins. Wayne was a graduate of the University of Miami and worked in the real estate business as a mort- gage broker. He had a close group of friends whom he loved dearly. He will be sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wayne’s memory may be made to the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (www.fidf.org). JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS www.levinefuneral.com LESHNOFF STEPHEN D., died peacefully July 5, 2022; beloved husband of Susan (nee Kriegel); loving father of Jonathan and Jessica (Holly Beatty); adoring grand- father of Noa, Shmuel (Tali) and Temi- ma (Alon); proud great-grandfather of Yosef. Brother of Vilma Barr; uncle of Lesley and Glenn Barr. Contributions in his memory may be made to a char- ity of the donor’s choice. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com PLOTKIN MARLENE (nee Clearfield) passed away on June 3, 2022 at the age of 80. She was the youngest of 3 sisters. Marlene’s excellence as a nurse was paid forward when she taught nursing students at Methodist and Einstein hospitals. Marlene desired to become a doctor, but opportunities for wom- en were scarce back then. Marlene was kind and generous and her wit and laugh will be sorely missed. She is survived by her husband David and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service was held at Mt. Sharon Cemetery. Contributions in Marlene’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of America. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com SARACHEK DEBORAH MARY (nee Wexler) of Al- lentown, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 4, 2021. She was 77 years old. Debbie, as she was known to loved ones and friends, was the daughter of the late Solomon Wexler and Sylvia Wexler Rosenthal, who remarried the late Ed Rosenthal. She is survived by her be- loved daughters, Elizabeth Blacker and Becky Sarachek, dear son-in-law An- drew Blacker, and cherished grandson Braden. Debbie is also survived by her dear brother Robert Wexler and neph- ews David and Alex Wexler. Debbie was a brilliant student, graduating as valedic- torian from Abington High School, and from the University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude. She also received a Master of Economics from the Univer- sity of Pittsburgh. Debbie lived most of her adult life in Allentown, Pennsylvania and spent summers in Barnegat Light, New Jersey. Contributions in Debbie’s name may be made to the University of Pennsylvania. HARRIS STEPHEN BRIAN - Passed away on July 8, 2022. Husband of Debra “Deb- bi” Harris (nee Benjamin). Father of Michael (Jamie) Harris and Eric Har- ris. Brother of Wayne Harris. Contri- butions in his memory may be made to Fox Chase Cancer Center, www. foxchase.org, or to KidneyCAN, www. kidneycan.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com STEIN STANLEY L., 82 - July 12th 2022 of Highland Beach Florida, formerly of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. Beloved husband of Myrna (nee Levin), and best friend of 60 years. Wonderful and devoted father of Gary (Anne) Stein and Jodi Stein. Proud and loving Batman and Poppop to Eric Stein, Mi- chelle Stein and Lauren Gadol. Broth- er of the late Bobbie Lewis and loving dog dad to Reeg. And a special thank you to his wonderful caregiver, Zulma. The family requests that contributions in his memory be made to Trustbridge hospice care 5300 E. Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407. JOSEPH LEVINE & SONS www.levinefuneral.com WASSERMAN DOROTHY (nee Rubin) on July 9, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Leonard; Loving mother of Bobbi Wasserman (Harry Koplin), Ted Wasserman (Mar- cia Lyons), James Wasserman, and the late Phyllis Wenitsky; Dear moth- er-in-law of Howard Wenitsky; Devot- ed grandmother of Alex (Danielle), Ian, Zachary (Anna), Natalie, Jennifer (Jon), Samantha, and Erica; Adoring great-grandmother of Jordan, Josie, and Lena. Contributions in her mem- ory may be made to Reform Cong. Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027 or Abramson Senior Care, 5 Sentry Pkwy. East, Ste 100, Blue Bell, PA 19422. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com WUNDOHL HARRIET (nee Balis), July 10, 2022. Devoted daughter of the late Sophia and Morris Balis. Beloved wife of the late Frank Wundohl. Loving moth- er of Barbara W. Pearson and David J. Wundohl. She was an observant Jewess, a lifelong learner of Judaics, Social Action, Gerontology, and Ge- nealogy. Additionally, she was a family historian, lover of travel, caring friend, and eternal optimist. Contributions in her memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, www. mskcc.org. GOLDSTEINS’ ROSENBERG’S RAPHAEL-SACKS www.goldsteinsfuneral.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 23 synagogue spotlight What’s happening at ... Kehilat HaNahar Kehilat HaNahar Celebrates a Decade with Rabbi Diana Miller JARRAD SAFFREN | STAFF WRITER I n March of 2011, Rabbi Sandy Roth, the founder of Kehilat HaNahar in New Hope and the only leader it had known in 17 years of existence, died. “Th e Little Shul by the River,” as it calls itself, referring to the Delaware, needed to fi nd a new rabbi before the High Holidays. Th e Reconstructionist temple got 16 applications for the open position, and its board of directors told its search committee to come back with three candidates. Committee members turned in four, telling board leaders that they had to wait for the last appli- cant to visit for her interview before making a decision. As it turned out, she was their decision. Rabbi Diana Miller, 54, and a resident of Lambertville just over the bridge in New Jersey, is now in her 11th year as spiritual leader at Kehilat HaNahar. Th e synagogue’s 135 or so families held a 10th-anniversary party for Miller on June 26 at its West Mechanic Street location. Th ey celebrated a decade in year 11 because it was hard to gather during the pandemic times of 2021. Th e 100- plus people in attendance were happy to overlook the technicality. In front of their building, they schmoozed, ate and listened to “lovely Jewish music,” said synagogue President Lynne Goldman, a member for more than 20 years. “It was one of the highlights of my life,” Miller added. “It was so exciting to see the community come together like that.” As Goldman explained, in 2011 the new rabbi was not walking into an easy situation. She was replacing the temple’s founder in Roth, who cele- brated Chanukah, Passover and the High Holidays with early members before they even bought their prop- erty in 1996. And not only was Miller replacing Roth, but she was doing so aft er the latter had died. But Goldman and other longtime 24 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Rabbi Diana Miller and the “Little Shul by the River Band” get ready for a performance. Courtesy of Kehilat HaNahar members had a sense that Miller could handle the diffi cult task. During her visit as an interviewee, she was the only candidate who asked congregants about Roth and how they were feeling. Late in that selection process, a ques- tionnaire to the congregation achieved a 90% participation rate. Only one applicant got yes votes from every participant. “Rabbi Diana was approachable and warm,” Goldman said. And she remained that way in her early months on the job. She talked to people individually and in small groups; she listened and allowed them to grieve; and she helped reassure them that the synagogue would continue Roth’s legacy. During High Holiday services that fall, Miller “blew us away,” Goldman said. In the middle of one service, the new leader was following the Torah around the sanctuary as people reached out to tap it. Th e prayer they were singing, as it oft en does during the ritual, ran out while the Torah was still going around. Miller broke out in song and dance behind the Torah as congregants con- tinued to tap it. Suddenly, they all joined her. “It was this joyful energy,” Goldman said. “Th at’s what I always say about Rabbi Diana. I’ve never seen anyone so joyful.” Kehilat’s second rabbi has made practical additions to the community, too. She has added adult study classes in Kabbalah, Chassidism and other subjects within the Jewish mystical tradition; she has introduced Shabbat morning services; she has even led eff orts to raise thousands of dollars and feed the hungry with Centenary United Methodist Church in Lambertville. But while those activities have added to the life of the synagogue, they are perhaps less important than her contin- ued guidance of a ship that was already robust. Members, most of whom were there for Roth, too, just like and appre- ciate Miller in the same way. Goldman credited the spiritual lead- er’s “emotional energy” for maintain- ing a harmonious relationship among board members. Congregant and New Hope resident Andrew Kaufman believes that Miller’s warm personal- ity helps people get through life cycle events. Member and Lambertville local Anita Lerman praised Miller for keep- ing the community together during COVID by pivoting to the virtual space and still fi nding ways to gather. “Rabbi Diana is just awesome, as was Rabbi Diana Miller Courtesy of Kehilat HaNahar Rabbi Sandy,” Lerman said. One of Miller’s favorite additions to her synagogue is the “Little Shul by the River Band” that she helped create. She feels excited about “all the music I’ve brought to the synagogue,” she said. And she intends to keep that music going. She wants Kehilat HaNahar to con- tinue to grow as a place to gather, as a center of learning and as a servant to the community in helping to feed the hungry, among other initiatives. “I inherited a hamish place but I helped continue the tradition of being a hamish, welcoming, really special shul,” Miller said. JE jsaff ren@midatlanticmedia.com d’var torah Don’t Abandon Your Ideals BY RABBI GERI NEWBURGE Parshat Pinchas M oses is a rather sympathetic fi gure. While we likely have not led a large group of peo- ple through the wilderness for 40 years, he is portrayed as remarkably human, with characteristics to which we can all relate, and which inspire us to strive to live up to the best in ourselves. In Parshat Pinchas, God directs Moses to apportion the land according to each tribe’s needs. Following Moses’ instruc- tions to the Israelites, the daughters of Zelophechad come forward and ask to inherit their father’s portion since he had no sons. Befuddled, Moses consults the Holy One and is advised that the daugh- ters can indeed inherit. Aft er this sequence of events, God tells Moses to climb to the top of Mount Abarim from where he would see the Promised Land before he died. Rashi, the medieval commentator, asks, “Why is this passage juxtaposed here with the previous one?” While the two narratives seem disconnected, Rashi points out that earlier in the book of Numbers, Moses was informed by God that he would not be able to enter the Promised Land aft er he struck the rock, instead of speaking to it, to obtain water for the cantankerous Israelites. In Rashi’s estimation, this most certainly weighed on Moses’ mind and, with all the discussion on inheritance, he thought the decree to die outside the land of Israel had been rescinded. Rashi’s commentary is informed by an earlier body of work, the Sifrei. Here the rabbis off er an allegory: “Since Moses had entered the territories of the descen- dants of Gad and the descendants of Reuben, he rejoiced, saying, ‘It seems that the vow made regarding me has been annulled.’ Th is can be compared to a king who decreed that his son could not enter the portals of his palace. Th e king entered the gate, with the son following; the courtyard, with him following; the foyer, with him following. When he was about to enter the inner chamber, he said to him, ‘My son, from here on, it is for- bidden for you to enter.’” Sadly, like the son in the fable who could not enter the palace, Moses’ fate remains unchanged, and he is not per- mitted to enter the land of Israel. He can only view it from afar before he dies. But the Torah portion is both a lesson in humility as well as a lesson in reconciling our expectations with reality. Despite his decades of service, Moses cannot reach the ultimate destination. We never truly learn how Moses feels about the circumstances, but it’s not hard to imagine his frustration, disappoint- ment and even a sense of loss over some- thing he could never attain. John Adams said, “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” Like Moses, our reality does not always reconcile with our expectations, leaving us with a sense of discontent, as we inter- act with the world and on a personal level. Our world is a rapidly changing envi- ronment, and we cannot anticipate tomorrow’s headlines today. Th is real- ity challenges us to dig deeper to sift through the noise and determine the facts. Living in such a deeply divided society, it oft en feels the reality and our perception of what it should be do not always align. Similarly, on a personal level, we may possess certain hopes and desires for ourselves, our families and our commu- nities, but the facts on the ground may inhibit realizing those dreams, either through our own limitations, or external factors which seem insurmountable. I cannot help but think of the words BUSINESS / LEGAL DIRECTORIES which have come to mean so much to us as a Jewish community, composed by Anne Frank: “It’s really a wonder that I haven’t dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that peo- ple are really good at heart. I simply can’t build up my hopes on a foundation con- sisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the suff erings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again. In the mean time, I must uphold my ideals, for perhaps the day will come when I shall be able to carry them out.” Th is is not a time for us to abandon our ideals, nor is it the time to stop dreaming. Like Moses, we must continue to walk on, leading, toward the Promised Land, inspiring the next generations to create a world where our hopes become reality. JE Rabbi Geri Newburge serves at Main Line Reform Temple-Beth Elohim in Wynnewood. Th e Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia is proud to pro- vide diverse perspectives on Torah com- mentary for the Jewish Exponent. Th e opinions expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not refl ect the view of the Board of Rabbis. A NOTICE TO OUR READERS There will be no print edition of the Jewish Exponent the week of July 28. That week, please visit us online at jewishexponent.com, where the paper will be available in digital form. Jewish Exponent PHILADELPHIA nmls 215-901-6521 • 561-631-1701 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 25 calendar JULY 22–JULY 28 TH U RSDAY, JU LY 28 THURSDAYS AT THE J WEDNESDAY, JULY 27 CANC GRAT Z A LU M N I R E U N IO N ELLED All Gratz College, Gratz Hebrew High School, Gratz Jewish Community High School and Gratz Israel Summer Ulpan Alumni are invited to celebrate at Gratz College at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a delicious kosher dinner and reminisce with friends and classmates. $10/person. For more information, contact Dodi Klimoff at 215-635- 7300, ext. 133, or alumni@gratz.edu. 7605 Old York Road, Melrose Park. What do the ’80s, baseball and cowboys have in common? Thursdays at the J. Presented by Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media and Kaiserman JCC, this film series will show three delightful, family-friendly films outdoors at the JCC every other Thursday night, beginning July 14 until Aug. 11 at 8 p.m. Visit phillyjfm.org/ tribe-events/category /thursdays-at-the-j for more information. 45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood. JEWISH PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS FRI DAY, J ULY 22 PARSHA FOR LIFE Join Rabbi Alexander Coleman, Jewish educator and psychotherapist at the Institute for Jewish Ethics, at 9 a.m. for a weekly journey through the Torah portion of the week with eternal lessons on personal growth and spirituality. Go to ijethics.org/weekly-torah- NOMIN HAVE S ATIONS TARTE D F 2 2 BEST O 02 Jewish Exponent PHILADELPHIA ISH PH IA JE W PHILADEL From your favorite restaurant to the best bagel, day camp to your favorite doctor, Family-friendly Shabbat service to best non-profit organization, nominate your favorite people, places and things in Jewish Philly! The winners are chosen by popular vote, so nominate your favorites. As a business, share with your audience to help you win the title of “Best” in your category! portion.html to receive the Zoom link and password. MON DAY, JU LY 2 5 MAHJONG GAME Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El Sisterhood invites the community to join our weekly mahjong game at 7 p.m. Cost is $36 per year or free with MBIEE Sisterhood membership. For more information, call 215-635- 1505 or email office@mbiee.org. 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park. T U E SDAY, JU LY 2 6 BINGO WITH BARRY Join Barry at Tabas Kleinlife for an afternoon of bingo from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on July 26, 27 and 28. Free parking and free to play with snacks available on July 27. For more information, call 215-745-3127. 2101 Strahle St., Philadelphia. WE D N E SDAY, JU LY 27 HOARDING SUPPORT Nominations close August 12th. Voting for the winners starts August 25th. Winners will be contacted in October and the results will be in the October 27th issue of the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent. Go to www.jewishexponent.com/readerschoice2022 and nominate your favorites! Jewish Exponent PHILADELPHIA 26 Print | Digital | JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Contact Jeni Mann Tough for more information jmann@midatlanticmedia.com Join Jewish Family and Children’s Service and like-minded individuals from April 13-July 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., in a supportive community where you will learn tools to address compulsive acquiring and saving while deepening your understanding of clutter and how you got here. To register or for more information on sliding-scale options, contact Rivka Goldman at 267-256-2250 or rgoldman@jfcsphilly.org. Jewish plays, snacks and schmoozing...What are contemporary Jewish playwrights exploring in their work? What do their plays reveal about American life and values, Jewish thought and life, and world affairs? In this class from Golden Slipper Gems at 10 a.m., we will read and discuss 10-minute plays and scenes from full-length plays. Contact drose@goldenslipper.org or 267-984-0722 for more information. BROADWAY’S GOLDEN AGE Matt Screnci is a longtime lover of Broadway musicals and has taught courses on musicals and theater at Camden County College. He will present in-person and over Zoom at Temple Beth Sholom at 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Zoom link will be sent after registering, or attend in person: 1901 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Register at tbsonline.org/form/ hazak-broadway.html. 3G TOUR AND TALK From 6-7:30 p.m., 3G Philly will tour Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center’s collection in Elkins Park and learn about the resilience of survivors in the Philadelphia community. The program will take place at HAMEC at 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park. To RSVP, email 3gphilly@ gmail.com with the number of participants and ages. JE Courtesy of Jason Edelstein Courtesy of Barrie Mittica 1 4 5 2 Courtesy of Mark Komen Courtesy of Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties Courtesy of the Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy Photo by Judith Scarani Out & About around town 3 6 1 Atlantic City Electric pledged $3,000 to support programs and services at the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties. 2 Four Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy students are competing for the United States in the 21st Maccabiah Games in Israel from July 12-26: Isaac Dahan in squash, Eden Singer in soccer, Mikayla Trajtenberg in basketball and Jenna Ufberg in lacrosse. 3 Temple Beth Hillel- Beth El in Wynnewood welcomed new Rabbi Ethan Witkovsky on July 14 with a barbecue attended by about 300 people. 4 Rabbi Megan GoldMarche of Tribe 12 is in the inaugural cohort of the leading executives training program with Leading Edge, a national nonprofit. 5 The Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood held the first induction ceremony for the Maccabi Hall of Fame honoring local Jewish athletes. 6 Mark Komen, Gerry Robbins, Gary Brock and Mike Sheinfield manned the Main Line Reform Temple booth at the Narberth July 4 parade. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 27 last word Cantor Bernard ‘Buzzy’ Walters SASHA ROGELBERG | STAFF WRITER C antor Bernard “Buzzy” Walters was given his nick- name at birth — named for his grandmother Bella — but his brim- ful career path has shown that the nickname is an apt one. Walters, turning 80 next month, is the cantor of the egalitarian ser- vices at the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. Before beginning the job in June 2020, he worked High Holiday services at Congregation Anshe Emeth in Hudson, New York, for 14 years during his so-called “retirement.” He was cantor for Tiferet Bet Israel in Blue Bell for 12 years before that. A Pittsburgh native, Walters, since beginning cantorial duties at age 16, has served at synagogues across the state, including at Rodef Sholom Synagogue in Johnstown and at syna- gogues in Washington and Coatesville. He was a cantor at Beth Tikvah-B’nai Jeshurun in Glenside for 27 years, too. Wherever Walters went, he brought his infectious love for music. “Music brings the congregants to the religion through their heartstrings because music speaks to the heart,” Walters said. As if teaching Hebrew school and b’nai mitzvah classes and leading services wasn’t enough, for 40 years, Walters was an Advanced Placement English teacher at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in the Colonial School District. He would ask his students and the music teachers there to join him for his annual cantorial concert at the syna- gogues at which he taught. He started the “Colonial Cantorial Quartet,” play- ing the tuba alongside a clarinetist, flutist and French horn player. At one time, when the religious school at BTBJ was waning, Walters found other ways to keep himself busy: “In addition to being there and in pub- 28 JULY 21, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM lic school, I also taught in Beth El of Levittown for four years, ’81-’84, and at Temple Sinai from ’85 to ’90.” Nimble in his career choices and eager to dig deep into his work, Walters didn’t have trouble adjusting to the changing technologies of the day. “Since the 21st century, I said, ‘I want to be a 21st-century person,’” Walters said. “I wanted to communi- cate with my students, with my friends, with my congregants, with everybody. And you can’t communicate without technology.” During the pandemic, when Walters wasn’t preparing to lead High Holiday services, he’d Zoom in to Sunrise of Abington Senior Living Community while he was living in Florida. He’d have the nurse he’d call bring their phone from room to room, and each resident would request a song for Walters to play. Walters has a YouTube channel with 88 video uploads of him singing differ- ent tunes. It includes him singing five different melodies of “Adon Olam.” Family is at the core of Walter’s love of and career in music. “My father was a professional musi- cian. He was with the Pittsburgh Symphony — before I was even born — as a violinist, and his sister was a pia- nist,” he said. “It was a musical family.” When Walters was 5, he got his first piano, which was hoisted through a bedroom window in the family’s home. Seven years later, he upgraded to a Steinway grand piano, the same piano he plays to this day. After joining his synagogue Congregation Poale Zedeck’s choir at 9 and leading the High Holiday ser- vices as cantor at the Aliquippa JCC at 16, Walters graduated high school to attend the University of Pittsburgh and then Columbia University for a year. Not wanting to return to Pittsburgh, Walters moved in with his brother, who was a student at the University of Pennsylvania, while Walters completed his master’s at Temple University. He met his wife that same year, and the two were married a year later. Walters’ brother is also a cantor, though he made a living as a law- yer and a judge. Though he lives in Maryland, and much of their extended family lives in Chicago and Virginia, the two create a Zoom meeting almost every day to play tunes together for their cousins. “Even when I’m going to Florida on vacation, I still bring a keyboard with me in the car,” Walters said. In August, the congregation will cel- ebrate the cantor’s birthday at Saturday Shabbat services. He’ll still lead ser- vices, of course, as well as leyn that week’s Haftorah. “I’m very, very happy to be at Shaare Shamayim,” he said. “Especially as I approach the 80th birthday, I’m still handling it and doing so happily.” JE srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com Courtesy of Bernard Walters CAN’T STOP PLAYING MUSIC SEASHORE SALE LOVE where you LIVE VOTED ATLANTIC COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS 2020 REALTOR OF THE YEAR! *TOP 10 in the country out of all Berkshire Hathaway agents *GCI 2019 NEW LISTING! VENTNOR $2,750,000 ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE ON 125 X 125 LOT, FEATURING 5 BED, 4.5 BATH HOME IS JUST ONE BLOCK OFF THE BEACH! NEW LISTING!! MARGATE $1,299,000 DESIRABLE LOCATION! PARK YOUR CAR AND WALK EVERYWHERE! THIS 3 BED, 2.5 BATH IS MOVE IN READY! www.HartmanHomeTeam.com NEW PRICE! MARGATE $2,395,000 SOUTH SIDE BEACH HOUSE WITH OCEAN VIEWS! THIS 5 YEAR OLD PIRANINO IS READY FOR MORE MEMORIES NEW LISTING! 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Get free infor- mational package and learn how to get rid of your time- share! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-402-5341 Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and mul- tiple colors available. Guaran- teed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-290-9042 Legals Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that STERN CRAWFORD PC, a professional corporation, is currently in the pro- cess of voluntarily dissolving. Kline & Specter, P.C. 1525 Locust Street 19th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102 ASMARA, INC. has been incorpo- rated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. McCreesh, McCreesh, McCreesh & Cannon 7053 Terminal Square Upper Darby, PA 19082 ESTATE OF ANTHONY L. MAHER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or de- mands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to THOMAS M. DOEBLEY, EXECUTOR, care of Harry Metka, Esquire, 4802 Neshaminy Boulevard, Suite 9, Bensalem, PA 19020, Or to his Attorney: HARRY METKA 4802 Neshaminy Boulevard Suite 9 Bensalem, PA 19020 ESTATE OF ARLEEN R. WEITZ, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to STEWART J. WEITZ, EXECUTOR, c/o Robert J. Stern, Esq., Two Bala Plaza, Ste. 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, Or to his Attorney: ROBERT J. STERN ROBERT J. STERN LAW, LLC Two Bala Plaza, Ste. 300 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 ESTATE OF BETTY JEAN ELLIS, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to HOWARD M. SOLOMAN, ADMINISTRATOR, 1760 Market St., Ste. 404, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: Howard M. Soloman 1760 Market St., Ste. 404 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF CORA E. SMALL Small, Cora E. late of Philadelphia, PA. Anthony Hudgins, 526 N. 53rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19131, Administrator. Andrew I. Roseman, Esquire 1528 Walnut St. Suite 1412 Philadelphia, PA 19102 ESTATE OF ELAINE T. PARELMAN, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to HOWARD M. SOLOMAN, ADMINISTRATOR, 1760 Market St., Ste. 404, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: HOWARD M. SOLOMAN 1760 Market St., Ste. 404 Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF ELEANOR B. LISIECKI a/k/a ELEANOR BARBARA LISIECKI, ELEANOR LISIECKI, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to BARBARA A. LISIECKI, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Samuel G. Forte, Esq., 9225 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19114, Or to her Attorney: SAMUEL G. FORTE LAW OFFICES OF SAMUEL G. FORTE 9225 Frankford Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19114 ESTATE OF ELEANOR DEAL aka ELEANOR J. DEAL Deal, Eleanor aka Deal, Eleanor J. late of Philadelphia, PA. Clayton Deal, c/o Hope Bosniak, Esq., Dessen, Moses & Rossitto, 600 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090, Administrator. Dessen, Moses & Rossitto 600 Easton Rd. Willow Grove, PA 19090 ESTATE OF FREDDIE BALDWIN a/k/a FREDDIE MAE BALDWIN, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to RAYMOND DUBOIS, EXECUTOR, c/o Michael S. Bloom, Esq., 712 W. MacDade Blvd., Milmont Park, PA 19033, Or to his Attorney: MICHAEL S. BLOOM PRESSMAN & DOYLE, LLC 712 W. MacDade Blvd. Milmont Park, PA 19033 ESTATE OF GEORGE A. PLAUFCAN, SR., DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CHARLES A. J. HALPIN, III, ADMINISTRATOR, The Land Title Bldg., 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1830, Philadelphia, PA 19110, Or to his Attorney: CHARLES A. J. HALPIN, III The Land Title Bldg. 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1830 Philadelphia, PA 19110 ESTATE OF GEORGE WHEELER FRISON a/k/a GEORGE FRISON and GEORGE W. FRISON, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to ROZELLA FRISON, EXECUTRIX, 617 Baily Rd., Yeadon, PA 19050 ESTATE OF HAZEL PALMER NURSE a/k/a HAZEL P. NURSE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to KENNETH J. NURSE, EXECUTOR, c/o Bruce M. Dolfman, Esq., 901 N. Penn St. F-2102, Philadelphia, PA 19123, Or to his Attorney: Bruce M. Dolfman 901 N. Penn St. F-2102 Philadelphia, PA 19123 ESTATE OF INEZ SHORT, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the Estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to TAMMY SHORT, ADMINISTRATRIX c/o DENNIS A. POMO, ESQUIRE 121 S. Broad St., Ste. 1200 Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-665-1900 ESTATE OF JACOB URBAN, DECEASED, O.C. No 467 DE of 2021 IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ORPHANS COURT DIVISION Notice is hereby given to all per- son(s) and/or entities having any known or reasonably presumed interest in the proceeding com- menced on April 30, 2021, by the filing by Armand Vanore (Petitioner) of a Petition for Determination of Legal Title to Real Estate, (aka Quiet Title Action) endorsed with a Notice to Defend, at the above number assigned by the Court. This service by publication is made pursuant to a Decree of the Court entered in these proceedings on the 12th day of July, 2022 Such persons of interest may include: ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, BENEFICIARIES AND SUCCESSORS OF JACOB URBAN, and/or ALL HEIRS, DEVISEES, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, BENEFICIARIES AND SUCCESSORS OF HELEN URBAN If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the Petition, you must enter your personal appear- ance or by attorney with the Court and file of record a full and complete answer, stated defense or objection under oath, to each and every one of the averments of the Petition within twenty (20) days of the date of publication of this Notice. Such response is to be filed of record in the Office of the Clerk of Orphans Court Room 415 Philadelphia City Hall and you are further directed to abide the Order of the Court in this matter. You are warned that if you fail to file a timely response to the Petition within twenty (20) days of publica- tion of this Notice, the case may proceed without you and a judg- ment may be entered against your legal interests by the Court with- out further notice for any money claimed in the Petition or for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff which may bar you from asserting any estate, title, lien, or in- terest in or to the subject real prop- erty. As such, you may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THE OFFICE IDENTIFID BELOW MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE 1101 MARKET STREET, 11TH FLOOR PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107 Telephone: (215) 238-6300 ESTATE OF JOSEPH FRANCIS DAVIS, SR A/K/A JOSEPH F. DAVIS DECEASED. Late of Lower Merion Township/ Montgomery County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to MARY J. DAVIS, EXECUTIVE c/o AMY W. SOSNOV, ESQ SOSNOV AND SOSNOV 540 SWEDE STREET NORRISTOWN, PA 19401 ESTATE OF JOSEPH MERCEDE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia County, PA. LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to LAURIE MERCEDE, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Daniella A. Horn, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to her Attorney: DANIELLA A. HORN KLENK LAW, LLC 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF JUSTIN ROY WILEY, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment with- out delay to CHARLES A. HALPIN, ADMINISTRATOR, The Land Title Bldg., 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1830, Philadelphia, PA 19110, Or to his Attorney: CHARLES A. J. HALPIN, III THE LAND TITLE BLDG. 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1830 Philadelphia, PA 19110 ESTATE OF LORRAINE D. PACK, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the Estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to LEON PACK, EXECUTOR c/o DENNIS A. POMO, ESQUIRE 121 S. Broad St., Ste. 1200 Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-665-1900 ESTATE OF MARTHA LEE , DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CALVIN JONES, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Adam S. Bernick, Esq., 2047 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: ADAM S. BERNICK LAW OFFICE OF FAYE RIVA COHEN, PC 2047 Locust St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 SIMPSON, ADMINISTRATOR DBN, c/o Daniella A. Horn, Esq., 2202 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to his Attorney: DANIELLA A. HORN KLENK LAW, LLC 2202 Delancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103 ESTATE OF MERCEDES AYALA RESTO, DECEASED Late of Philadelphia County LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quests all persons having claims or demands against the Estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to EDITH LOPEZ, Executrix c/o DENNIS A. POMO, ESQUIRE 121 S. Broad St., Ste. 1200 Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-665-1900 ESTATE OF WILLIAM COSOM Cosom, William late of Philadelphia, PA. Richard Cosom, Jr., 1220 W. Wyoming Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19140, Administrator. Mark Feinman, Esquire 8171 Castor Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19152 ESTATE OF RAYMOND W. GASKIN, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to KEEYA J. GASKIN, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Ronald G. McNeil, Esq., 1333 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19107-1585, Or to her Attorney: RONALD G. McNEIL 1333 Race St. Philadelphia, PA 19107-1585 ESTATE OF RHONDA JOHNSON- KIEMTORE a/k/a RHONDA A. JOHNSON-KIEMTORE, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to RISA ANN REAVES, EXECUTRIX, c/o Jay E. Kivitz, Esq., 7901 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19150, Or to her Attorney: JAY E. KIVITZ KIVITZ & KIVITZ, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 ESTATE OF STANLEY M. JOHNSON a/k/a STANLEY JOHNSON, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION CTA on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to ROSALYN M. JOHNSON, ADMINISTRATRIX CTA, c/o Jay E. Kivitz, Esq., 7901 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19150, Or to her Attorney: JAY E. KIVITZ KIVITZ & KIVITZ, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 ESTATE OF THOMAS M. FISHER, JR. a/k/a THOMAS FISCHER, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION DBN on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to DEVARIO ESTATE OF WILLIAM KLOTSAS a/k/a WILLIAM H. KLOTSAS, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to LAURIE MYERS BOBLEY, EXECUTRIX, c/o Laura M. Tobey, Esq., 229 W. Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087, Or to her Attorney: LAURA M. TOBEY REIDENBACH & ASSOCIATES, LLC 229 W. Wayne Ave. Wayne, PA 19087 ESTATE OF WINDSOR EUGENE CARLTON a/k/a WINDSOR CARLTON, DECEASED. Late of Philadelphia LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who re- quest all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to GREGORY G. CARLTON, SR., ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Jay E. Kivitz, Esq., 7901 Ogontz Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19150, Or to his Attorney: JAY E. KIVITZ KIVITZ & KIVITZ, P.C. 7901 Ogontz Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 Meetinghouse Lane Merion Station, PA 19066. The name and address of each individual interested in the business is Ahmed Mueed at 210 Meetinghouse Lane Merion Station, PA 19066. This was filed in accor- dance with 54 PaC.S. 311.417 Notice is hereby given that Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on 6/30/22 with respect to a pro- posed nonprofit corporation, Dance Language & The Arts, which has been incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988 WANTED TO BUY WANTED TO BUY ANTIQUE & FINE FURNITURE Paintings & Sculptures Notice is hereby given that, pur- suant to the Business Corporation Law of 1988, MindLeaders, Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware, intends to withdraw from doing business in Pennsylvania. The address of its principal office in its jurisdiction of incorporation is 300 Innovative Way, Ste 201, Nashua, NH, 03062 and the name of its com- mercial registered office provider in Pennsylvania is C T Corporation System. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all creditors and claimants of JDSMD, P.C., a PA professional corp., (the “Corporation”) that the sharehold- ers have approved a proposal that the Corp. dissolve voluntarily and that its Board of Directors is now engaged in winding up and settling the affairs of the Corp. under the provisions of Section 1975 of the PA Business Corp. Law of 1988. JOHN S. FREEMAN, Solicitor, 44 W. Highland Ave., Phila., PA 19118 Also Vintage Modern, Mission & Nakashima Etc. HIGHEST PRICES PAID 215-663-1813 Notice to all creditors ESTATE OF MARIA ALICE TAVARES aka MARIA A TAVARES DECEASED Notice is hereby given by the un- dersigned, Valdemar T. Vieira 2345 Borbeck Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19152 executor of the last will and testament of Maria Alice Tavares, deceased, to the creditors of and all persons having claims against the said deceased, to exhibit them with the necessary documentation, within one year from date of first publication of this notice, to the said executor. Valdemar T vieira Executor for the estate of Maria Alice Tavares, Deceased. NONPROFIT CORPORATION - NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, on July 6, 2020, Articles of Inc. were filed with the Dept. of State for Philadelphia Youth Tennis Foundation, a nonprofit corp. or- ganized under the Nonprofit Corp. Law of 1988 of the Commonwealth of PA, exclusively for charitable purposes. FOX ROTHSCHILD LLP, Solicitors, 747 Constitution Dr., Ste. 100, P.O. Box 673, Exton, PA 19341-0673 Notice is hereby given that an Application for Registration of Fictitious Name was filed in the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on July 12, 2022 for Songflow at 210 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM 31 Help them Celebrate Your Life Providing funeral counseling and pre-need arrangements. Pre-planning a funeral is a gift. Anyone who has ever lost a loved one knows how hard it is to make decisions at a time of grief. 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